{The Circus of The Forgotten}

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera hadn't been paying any attention to the goings on around her, merely intent and focused on finding Nikolai's tent. Preferably before someone... A hand grabbed for her, making the angel jump as she heard the man's voice. "Why don't you come over here for a little while? I can show you wondrous things..." From the sounds of his voice, he was intoxicated, but not by traditional means. He must have slipped out of Jinx's tent, possibly to go home. Panic clutched at Sera's chest, "U-uhm, n-no, thank you." she stammered, her cheeks flushing crimson as she pulled herself from the man. Who only seemed that much more intent on keeping them close. He ambled forward, a wolfish grin upon his lips and a lustful look to his eyes.


"C'mon, pretty thing. I'm a paying customer." came his voice yet again, low and gruff with lust and want. Sera glanced around, nervous and fear clutching at her as she realized she had wandered far from where the majority of the cirque was located. It would hard for someone to hear her. "N-no, I'm not part of the late night act." she stated, trying to sound firm. The man's hand reached for her again, grabbing hold of her wrist. She winced as he yanked her to him, his free arm sliding around her waist. Her free hand pressed against his chest, trying to return the distance between them. "S-stop. Let me go!" she stated, her voice rising with fear. Yet it would seem that the man wasn't quite listening as his hands moved to inappropriate areas while Sera tried to fend him off. Jack, Nikolai... Baxter... Someone help me! was all her thoughts seemed to scream.

 

[QueenofDorks]

As the man prowled upon the angel, insistent and never ending with his motions - no matter how hard she struggled -, two pair of golden eyes appeared in the shading shadows of the edges of the forest. A reverberating growl broke through and the man gave pause, drunkely tilting his head back to search the darkness for the source of the noise. Enough weakness for the creature to pounce. A streak of gray and brown fur pounced forward. Sharp fangs bared together as the leapt and scrabbled for purchase against the offender's arms. A shrill scream broke through the man and Sera was lost, "Get off of me you damn mutt!"


That seemed to only irritate the wolf and his jaws clamped down further on the man's arm. The human's squealing and crying, the wolf's growling and snarling, were loud enough to draw concerned carnies. Nikolai sputtered across the dirt and pebbles, his pack of prowling creatures behind him; his eyes widening. Thick Russian sprouted from his throat, ordering the wolf to let go. Jinx appeared beside his side, a stumbled mess of hair and makeup smeared. Her hands pulled the coat around her taut, founding purchase for its belt and tying it tightly. The Siren shoved her way past the deeply wounded man and she caught Sera by the shoulders, worry blooming in her features. "Are you alright? Did he hurt you?"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera shook with fear, her eyes wide as the scene unfolded around her. When she felt Jinx's hands on her shoulders, she collapsed against the siren, tears spilling down her cheeks. "N-no... I... I don't think..." she stammered through her tears, her clothes clearly stretched in signs that he had attempted to remove them. Faint redness tinged her wrists where he had held to tightly. She shivered, clinging to her friend, "He didn't... The wolf..." she stammered, realizing the wolf that had helped to save her. She pushed from Jinx, eyes searching for the one that had attacked the man, dropping to her knees as her arms wrapped around the furry creature. "Thank you, thank you so much." she sobbed, pressing her face into the warmth of it's fur.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jinx's bare feet stumbled but soon found purchase against the ground rather quickly. She watched as her friend stumbled towards the wolf, blood oozing from his fangs and muzzle. The man he had attacked was a blubbering mess, one that Nikolai restrained and watched over till further notice. Though his eyes couldn't help but dash to Sera and his wolf now and then. The canine creature nestled himself against her welcoming arms, a whine uprising from the depths of his throat; consoling almost. His tongue lapped out to brush across her cheek, licking up the tears that bubbled and surfaced down her face.


"That goddamn wolf bit me! He fucking... he fucking bit me!" The man's howling accusations screeched across the night air and brought several carnies from their tents. Jack approached, his eyes roving over the scene that laid out before him. It was a complete mess. "Leave him," he uttered to the werewolf, "everyone will think him a drunken fool when he goes stumbling back into town. We'll be out of here by dawn." His eyes surveyed the distancing crowds, the hues steel and iron at once. The ringleader raised his voice to be heard, "There've been too many accidents on these grounds since we got here. Punishments have yet to be dealed out properly, but, they will. Both fires, lack of displince and self control, and now this," he paused, allowing the words to sink in. "The police will be investigating and I don't need a simialr incident back in '09. Start packing up. We leave for our next destination."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera looked up from where she sat as soon as she heard Jack's voice, "I'm sorry Jack... I didn't mean to cause trouble." She said, her eyes dropping to the ground as she slowly managed to get her legs under her. She was still shaking, and tears still fell down her face, but she was slowly collecting herself. She looked down at the wolf, and the found Nikolai with her gaze. "I'm sorry to have involved your wolves, Nik..." She said meekly, straightening her clothing as best she could. She swallowed thickly, brushing hair from her face. "I... I'll go tell Baxter so we can start packing." She said, her voice cracking slightly, her face crimson from the embarrassment of the situation. With her head down, she scurried her way to the tent where she would have to interrupt Baxter and start packing.

 

[QueenofDorks]

"It's not your fault...," the words stumbled free from the werewolf's mouth but she was already gone. Already off to shake Baxter from his own deviant entertainment and cohort him to pack with her. Nikolai's shoulders sagged under the heavy weighing concern for Sera. Though that didn't cease him from cooing to his wolves in Russian, speaking low and soft in the language. Ordering them to follow and not loose sight of themselves. Then he pivoted and began the trek to where the caged animals were. A lot of the carnies would need help packing the creatures up into the trucks.


"Your punishment is now," Jack declared to the siren. A flinch rippled through her upon the direct tone of voice that he used. Her hands squeezed against the belt of her covered up coat. A numbing fear settled upon her, some kind of awareness on where this would go. "Come," he beckoned, and she followed, even though her feet dragged against the dirt and even though her body was bracing itself against the pain that was about to follow.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera rushed into the tent, to shaken from her own event moments ago to be flustered by the scene before her. "Time to go, Bax. Jack made the order. We're leaving." She said hurriedly, tossing the women's clothes at them and rushing about to start packing her things. The blonde demon blinked from his emotional stupor, and after a moment he yanked himself from where he lay. "Sera? What happened to you?" He all but demanded, no longer caring about the women who begged him to stay with them longer. "Get out. My sister is more important, and our boss said it's time to go. Means the circus is closed." He snapped at them, only to recieve insulting remarks as they each dressed and left.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Nikolai ushered the wolves into their respected cage, his words tittering in Russian. He coaxed and uttered till all of them were assembled together behind the vast bars, silently promising the dark wolf, Pietro the one stained in blood, to wash him at the closest stop. With the door slid back shut, and fingers fumbling to lock it with a key, he soon began to tend to the other animals around this portion of the grounds. The insentive and annoying beeping of trucks being revved up was loud and notable. The cirque became a stumbling, running mess to pack everything up within one night. It could work; no, it had to work. It was Jack's orders and as such they had to listen.


Tents became unfolded and personal belongings were starting to be packed and pressed into vast crates or chests that could withstand the weight. The werewolf could care less about his own personal abode. He had little to begin with and surely the others could handle it as he went about, checking in on the animals and soothing them from the racket that had stirred them up. Especially the lions.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera glanced at Baxter, pausing for only a moment in her hurry to pack. "There was an incident." she finally said, knowing Baxter wouldn't have started packing until she explained. "Someone thought I was.... ya know... and well... One of Nik's wolves attacked him to get him off me." she said hurriedly, meanwhile Baxter's eyes widened as he merely stared at her. "Jack said because of what happened with the fires, and the killings that your... well... and then with this event. We're to be packed and on the road by morning. He doesn't want us here when the police start investigating and things." she shrugged, grabbing her clothes and belongings to shove into her few suitcases.


Baxter growled softly, moving to do the same, "He wasn't killed? The wolf was to gentle if I have any say." he muttered, to which Sera threw a pillow at him rather hard. "Hey! Just saying. We might be devils, and whores and what not to some, but that doesn't mean we don't have dignity and respect." he grumbled, rolling his eyes. He was beginning to feel back to his old self, now that he had had time to absorb some energy from those ladies. He bit back a yawn, "What about mine and Jinx's punishments?" he asked offhandedly.


Sera once again was paused in her movings. "He... He said that they're still to come. It won't be forgotten." she said softly, and busied herself once more. That was the last she said to Baxter, keeping her focus on her packing. As soon as she was packed, she delivered her things to another of the carnies who were packing things onto a truck and then hurried back through the grounds. Someone stopped her, mentioning Nikolai was busy with the animals, and no one had the time to pack his tent. "I'll take care of it." she said, nodding to them and off she went. This time, there were carnies all over the place to help direct her to the werewolf's tent. She slipped inside, and began to pack, keeping her mind elsewhere so she wouldn't end up snooping through his things.


Baxter finished packing a short time after Sera did, and delivered his things as well before moving around the grounds to help take down some of the larger of the tents. He silently hoped that his punishment would be saved for after the journey to their next stop, knowing that whatever it was, he didn't want to have to suffer it while riding his motorbike in the cirque's caravan.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jinx emerged from within Jack's tent, her trembling fingers attempting to keep her coat still and covering her body. She silently thanked herself that it was night, not much light was offered at these incredulous late hours. No one would notice the blood that seeped from her back, despite the bandages that were wrapped and applied by Jack afterwards, the way her whole body was stiffened straight and grimacing with every step. Every lash still felt fresh and new. It was only five, only five and the pain was still clear and evident in her mind. Few carnies paid little attention to her as she made her way across the grounds, towards her trailer that would be hooked up to one of the trucks. She'd be stuffed into one of the caravans alongside other carnies and it would be a hell of a ride now with the wounds she possessed.


The flimsy door stalled while she opened it, the siren having to wrench it free which caused her to gasp and reel at the abrupt movement. Her fingers clenched against the frame to steady herself, breath coming out in short gasps. Though she forced herself up, up the steps. She needed to pack together a small bag of clothes and belongings that she needed on the road. The rest could remain in the trailer. Every now and then she stilled, the pain snatching up and stunning her senses to where she had to struggle through it. Having to pry herself from the excruciating, swimming nausea.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

By the time dawn was approaching, there was already several miles between the city and the cirque caravan. The grounds where they had camped clear of all signs they were even there, the only evidence being in the memories of those who came to visit them and see their acts. That is, if Jack didn't send out those few who could alter memories. Baxter rode his motorcycle, body clad in thick leather, dark helmet shielding his face from the fierce wind and rising sun.


His mind was racing with passing of events from the time Jack ordered them all to pack up. He had caught sight of Jinx when she had finally emerged. Though he hadn't dared to approach her. From the stiff way she walked, it was clear that Jack had seen to her punishment before everyone had left the grounds. His hand twisted on the throttle of the bike, revving the engine as he shot his bike forward, weaving through the caravan where he could fit. Until he was racing out ahead of the entire caravan, several curses coming through the radio receiver in his helmet. He chuckled, "Oh shut up, guys. I'm not gonna get anyone killed. I'm the best daredevil here." he said into his helmet, knowing the microphone would pick up his soft words. He knew someone would tell him when it was time to pull over, so he wasn't worried about the distance between him and the caravan.


Seraphim sat quietly at the back of one of the large busses that carried many of the carnies that weren't needed in the large trucks that pulled all their equipment and belongings. Her gaze stared out the window, blankly staring, her mind clear of all thoughts save for the events of the night before. It still bothered her, the way the man's hands had scoured her body looking for purchase. She shuddered, closing her eyes tightly, and forced the image from her head. Nothing had come of it, and so it shouldn't bother her. Yet it did. She silently thought she should have a least stopped the man's bleeding. She let out a small sigh, relaxing slightly as she pressed her forehead to the cool window glass.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jinx had occupied herself in the back of one of the buses. Her small bag sloped besides her, the siren baring her teeth together if any of the carnies came near her or she simply curled in on herself; going silent to avoid prompts or shared concerns. She didn't want to talk, that much was clear. Since leaving the empty circus grounds she had to change her medical bandages several times. The bleeding had slowly ceased during the ride but she had to apply a numbing salve to ease her discomfort. When healing was offered, she shied away from it. This was her punishment, the pain, and she knew better than to rid herself of it quickly. She wanted to bare the scars.


It wasn't till night approached did they decide to stop for the evening. Their buses and trucks peeled into the rest stop that provided bathrooms and vending machines to grab some food. Jack, over the intercom, advise the carnies to settle in. They would move again in the early morning. No suspicious activity would happen under his watch. Otherwise they would pay the consequences. As the carnies streamed from the bus, vast chattering masses, the silent siren stayed behind. She stretched out her legs and pressed her cheek to the cool glass. Watching as the others scattered for the vending machines or the bathrooms inside the lone building.


Once the animal truck was parked, keys loosened from the ignition and the engine was off, Nikolai climbed down. He had opted to remain with his wolves for the drive. They were quite temperamental creatures when it came to abrupt changes. Howls and whines came from within the back, accompanied with the irritable snarls of lions and acknowledged grunts from the twin pair of bears they had in their possession. He gingerly patted the side of the cargo box and carried on to grab something to eat. Perhaps even snag a bottle of water to clean the blood off of Pietro. Again his mind wandered to the events with Sera. His heart fluttered in concern but a vile bubbling feeling seethed at his stomach. He should have gutted the man. He should have made that man pay for attempting to assault that angelic woman. But then he'd be under the skeptical eyes of Jack once more. No one wanted that. He stuffed down the violent thoughts and absently decided to seek out Sera. He wanted to see if she was doing alright.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter stretched, his bike parked between two of the buses that carried his fellow carnies. He plucked his helmet from his head, settling it upon the seat of the bike, tucking the key for it into his pocket. He was silent, remaining on the fringes of the large group. They were to camp here for the night, and he was sure there was a nice picnic table close by for him to use as a bed. He shuffled along, keeping silent and refusing conversation as he located the restroom. Once he had relieved himself, he washed up and located the vending machine. He scrounged out change and got a couple small bags of chips and two sodas, having not noticed Jinx in the mix.


He located the bus where he could still see her silhouette, and clambered aboard. Silently, he shuffled to the back, dropping one of the sodas and bags of chips on the seat beside the siren before moving a back to flop into a seat several spaces ahead of her. He knew the others wouldn't be back on the bus for some time, stretching their legs and finding places to camp under the stars rather than cooped up in the bus. He didn't say anything, merely opened his meager meal and started to eat.


Sera slipped out of the crowd, wandering to the furthest side of the caravan where she could be mostly alone without being out of sight. She knew Jack wouldn't want anyone to get to far, and she wasn't about to add to any displeasure suffered by the ring leader. She lowered herself onto the curb, drawing her knees to her chest, her arms wrapped tight around her legs. Her eyes shifted through the darkness, gazing out at the passing traffic. Her mind still swam with her incident, and it made her stomach to ill to think about anything to drink.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jinx's eyes darted upwards in acknowledgment to the feet that stamped aboard the bus. Her breath loosened as Baxter appeared, silent except for his footsteps that clambered towards her. She slumped down and pressed close against the window, preparing to defend herself if need be. Words cluttered up her tongue but they wouldn't quite be released. They numbed her ability to speak. She wanted to speak. But he too remained silent. There was a dull thud as a soda bottle plopped beside her, along with a bland brand of chips.


Hazel eyes ghosted across the demon's form as he stamped back down the bus, propping himself into one of the many seats ahead of her. She gripped the soda but with her spare free hand she chucked the bag of chips back to him. "I'm not eating," she declared bitterly, "and I'm not taking your pity peace offering." Her thin fingers twisted the cap free off of the bottle and she allowed herself to sip on the caffeinated drink. Jinx tucked her head back against the glass surface of the window. Looking anywhere but at him.


Nikolai had gathered himself a variety of snacks in the meanwhile. His appetite was raving and hungry. He wondered if that had anything to do with the near approach of the full moon. His stomach clenched at the thought. He only hoped that the cirque reached their destination before then. If not, he'd have to gently advise Jack that it be best for them at a rest stop when that happens. Tucked away in his back pocket was a bottle of water, later to be used for Pietro. It was something to do to keep his mind off of everything.


Nikolai hadn't seen Sera amongst the massing crowds. After he had gotten the chips and candy he desired - plus the sodas -, he meandered off to find her. Tucked far from their caravans, but still bordering close so to not get trouble, sat Sera. He approached her slowly, making sure his footsteps were known so he wouldn't scare or shake her from whatever she was doing here. Gingerly he plopped down beside her, his long legs sprawling out easily. His hands went to one of the candy bags he bought, calloused fingers tearing it open to reach for the sour gummy worms. "You... are you doing alright, Sera?"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter sighed as he lifted himself from the seat, grabbing the tossed bag of chips. He marched back to where Jinx sat, and tossed them back into her lap. "It's not a peace offering." He snapped, anger passing over his features and then he stopped, releasing a held breath after a moment. "It's the best apology I can do." He muttered, moving back to the seat he had taken a moment ago. "I tried to convince Jack to add your punishment to my own. It's mostly my fault anyway." He shrugged, talking as if to himself. "I was foolish, and hot headed. My bad." He added in a low mutter before falling silent once more as he drank his soda.


Sera glanced sideways at Nik, her arms tightening around her legs. "Yeah... for the most part." She said softly, her voice still a little shakey. "I'll get over it... I hope." She added, a half-hearted laugh bubbling from her. She fell silent after that, a heavy sigh escaping her.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jinx shrunk back against the window, chin tilting upwards to stare at this looming Baxter. Familiar anger sketched across his face, briefly, before it disappeared. Her fingers entwined firmly around the Coke bottle, keeping it close against her. Acting almost as if an anchor for the emotions that were brewing rapidly inside her. Her sliding elbow knocked over the chips once more. "If you wanted to apologize you could have gotten me a small pack of red twizzlers from the vending machine," she quipped, voice sardonic. "That would've eased the bad blood between us." Her hazel eyes swept downwards and she blandly studied the scuff marks that littered the bus floor.


"It was better for me to take the punishment," she added, abruptly quiet. "It reminded me that I was slipping. That I needed to reinsert my control over the monster inside me." Scraping up the remaining strength and energy inside her, the siren stood. Her hands splayed out against the back of the bus seats, her breath rushing out in a heavy gasp. Though she forced herself to move, feet stumbling along in a shuffle. "You've conjured me up to be this fantastic being," she continued, "that can maintain emotions and self control. The truth is I can't. Someday this thing will snatch away at what little humanity I have. It'll grow tired of emotions and pleasure. It'll want blood."


"I ripped your father's heart out." Jinx had reached Baxter's seat now, her form sloping against it with exhaustion. She tucked her fingers across the plain leather of the seating. "I had a part of his death. I should take the blame as much as you. You may feel sorry but don't heap all of the blame upon yourself. I mean it, Bax."


--


"Pietro, my wolf, did the right thing," Nikolai ventured, chewing around the sour gummy worm in his mouth. Gingerly he slid over a soda for the angel. "I quite wish I had been upon that man myself. Though he wouldn't go off as free." He dulled into silence afterwards and reached for another piece of candy. His eyes casted across her curled form, noting how delicate she seemed. Worn down by packing and recent events. "Do you want some?" he offered gingerly, gesturing around to the various packs of treats he had snagged for himself. "I don't particularly mind sharing."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter shrugged his shoulders, "Forgive me for not knowing you'd like twislers over chips." He said in a slightly mocking tone as he crunched a chip. He stared at the leather backing of the seat in front of him. "You wouldn't have had to do anything if I hadn't nearly gone insane." He retorted, though he attempted to mutter his words so only he heard himself say it. "And it's not that I chalked you up to being perfect. You were just better at it than I was." He added, shifting in the seat to allow room for the siren if she wished. He glanced sideways at the siren, a smirk forming on his lips, even if it was small and only halfhearted. "You called me Bax..." He noted, a weak attempt to change the subject.


--


Sera glanced at the offered drink and candy, her mouth watering slightly. She was certainly hungry, but she wasn't sure how her stomach would take the intrusion of sugar. She took a slow breath, and finally relented to her hunger. "Thank you, Nikolai." She said softy, attempting a small smile. Having him there to talk to seemed to ease her nerves. She gingerly took a few small sour worms, her other hand untangling from around her legs to reach for the soda. "It probably would have been... worse... if not for Pietro." She ventured, setting one of the candies on her tongue as she spoke. Her eyes were on the ground in front of her toes. "And you..." She added softy, her normal blush not coloring her cheeks after such a statement. "It's weird... I feel.... numb... after whats happened lately." She shrugged. "After my burn, the hunt that went haywire... Baxter nearly loosing it... then that... man..." She rambled, but when she reached the most recent event that had caused them to uproot and move on, her voice seemed to falter. "I tried to rest... on the bus." She commented, for whatever reason she felt the urge to simply talk. "I had a nightmare... first one in all I can remember... I lost Baxter... and Jinx, and you... and I was all alone." She explained, eating her small pieces of the shared candy whIle she spoke. "Then that man... he was faceless in my dream..." She shuddered, unable to finish her explanation.

 

[QueenofDorks]

With shifting heels and weight, the siren flopped down beside the demon. A whimper surfaced from her lips at the abrupt movement but it was muffled by a quick swig of soda. Her legs unfolded from underneath her, sprawling outwards to tuck underneath the seat in front. A snort brushed free from Jinx, her head rolling backwards to lean upon the top edge of their seat. Her hazel eyes caught his smirk and, in return, a scowl uprooted from her mouth. "Yeah? So what? I call you both Bax and Baxy. There's no difference." She toyed with the paper plaster that was imprinted upon the soda bottle, thin fingers peeling it loose. "Either way your name means 'annoyance' to me."


--


A brief sense of relaxation eased upon Nikolai's scattered nerves. Seeing her take up the offer of a snack and drink was rather helpful for the werewolf. He dwelled in silence, however, listening to every word that loosened and moved from her lips. He took in every sentence, mulling over every bit and meaning. All the while he silently chewed on the sour candy, taking the occasional sip of soda before setting it aside. His eyes caught the shuddered motion of her body, it seeming foreign and strange to Nikolai. A frown ghosted his mouth. Calloused fingers reached out, hesitant but ginger, to trace a line across her cheek. The motion was sweet and simple, drifting not aside to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You're never going to be alone, Sera," he whispered, voice low and lulling. "We'll always going to be here for you. Nothing will prevent that."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

The blonde demon couldn't stop the chuckle that escaped him, falling into a decent moment of laughter before he finally calmed and became silent once again. He stared at the soda bottle that was clutched in his hands, and sighed. "Good to know the blood isn't too bad between us." he said softly, his thumb moving slowly through the condensation that was forming on his drink. "I'm sorry." he finally blurted, his head falling back against the seat, eyes staring at the ceiling of the bus. "I did and said things that was out of anger and hurt... and..." he started to explain though his words seemed to catch in his chest. He pressed his lips together, and sighed heavily. "Forget it... Forget I said anything at all." he muttered, slumping further into the seat, his gaze now staring outside the window.


--


Sera flinched slightly when she felt his fingers brush against her cheek, but just as quickly she relaxed, feeling comforted by the small attention. She looked down at her lap, a small smile brushing over her lips as her eyes closed for a moment. She took in a slow, deep breath and held it for a moment before releasing it quickly. "Thank you, Nik... I needed to hear that." she said softly, the tiniest of laughs bubbling out from the angel. A tear slid from the corner of her eye, and she reached up to quickly brush it away. "That's one of my biggest fears... being alone." she whispered, eyes opening again to continue to stare at her lap. She bubbled with another laugh, "Now three people know that... Me, Jack... and now you." she smiled, though it still held some sadness over the latest events. Though she did seem to be cheering up a little. She lifted the soda to her lips, taking a long draft of the beverage. "How are the wolves doing with--" she started, a small belch from the carbonation interrupting her, which caused her cheeks to flush crimson as she pressed a hand over her mouth. "Oh my... I'm so sorry... excuse me..." she stammered, though the whole situation made her laugh.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jinx wedged her elbow against his ribs, a playful shove that indicated for him to silence his laughter. She huffed out a breath and dipped her fingers to snatch at a chip from his bag. The siren took noticed of his softening tone, far from the mocking one he would often use with her. Her heart twisted at the thought, teeth clamping down upon her bottom lip. Why did he make her feel like this? A jumbled mess of emotions and fluttering feelings that she couldn't quite condense. They sparked and shivered everytime he was around. A part of her was disgusted by the idea of having feelings for him. She couldn't, she wouldn't.


She wasn't the girl who would preen at the idea of a long lasting lover. She wasn't the girl who would remain tie down. She was the girl who would share herself around to the men or the occasional women. She was the girl who would play with your heart till only break it under her high heels. That was Jinx. It would always be Jinx, forever and ever. She refused to change, to grow soft and weak. So she shoved those feelings down, buried them, and twisted the lock and key. Throwing it all away, never to be opened up again.


"Oh no," Jinx chided, her fingers discarding the chip onto the floor of the bus. "Do continue with your apology. I was quite interested by it." She propped herself forward, leaning in towards Baxter, brows quirked and raised. Expectant for him to answer. Whether that may be to continue or to toy with her as expected.


--


Feeling Sera relax under his touch seemed to delight Nikolai. Moreover, seeing her mouth curve and wobble under her small smile made a fluttered feeling brush his chest. His fingers didn't quite move, not yet. They remained pressed against her tucked locks, slightly rubbing at the split ends. He was quite content in that one moment, just her and him. Alone with their silence and unbearable secrets. Though he was stirred awake by her words, small and bearable. His hand moved away, finally dropping back into his lap. "You and I share the same fear it seems," he mumbled, deep gray eyes softening in the faintest moonlight.


He snatched at another pair of sour gummy worms that were entangled against each other. Though he was abruptly caught off guard by the loud belch that came from the petite woman beside him. The werewolf seemed to stunned. Just for a moment. Then his laughter erupted free from his maw, a deep sound that resonated and rumbled from within his chest. "Nice one, angel," he crooned, suddenly vibrant and chuckling, "I never expected that out of you. But it was good nonetheless!"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter felt her leaning in, unsure if her coaxing him to continue what he had started was true or if she was just toying with him. They're back and forth was infuriating, but the demon couldn't help it. He felt pulled to the siren, though his mind rationalized it by the fact that they both suffered from needing the draw of emotions to sustain them. His want to be in better control of himself, to learn how the siren kept such a clamp on her own inner monster. Yet also because he, in all honesty, enjoyed their infuriating banter. He had never been jealous of the men and occasional women that enjoyed Jinx's presence, as he could easily understand why she needed the attention. Hell, he did too.


So it had confused him when the jealous feeling had hit him when they were dealing with his father. It had to have merely been because he had loose grips on himself, added to the notion of the fact they were fighting against his father of all people. He had had a taste of insanity, and it had scared him. He had never felt more terrified of anything that the swirling abyss of insane power. Even just the memory of what he had experienced made him pale and a clammy film of sweat formed on his palms. The way he reacted to the Siren only seemed to make things worse, and that scared him even more.


He took a slow breath, calming himself and collecting his thoughts. He hadn't ever opened up to anyone, not even Sera. Jack didn't even know the secret thoughts that swirled in the demon's head. Maybe talking with someone would lighten the load on him? Would that help his control issues? His tongue passed over his lips as he thought over the possibilities. What if she never wanted to talk to him again? What if she thought he was weak? Or spread his sob story to the entire cirque? No. She wouldn't do something like that. Would she? After an uncomfortably long silence, he finally shifted and turned his gaze back on the seat in front of him and the siren.


"I was-- am scared. Terrified." he started slowly, the words hard to find as he fought against his own walls merely to admit things out loud to himself, let alone another being. "When I was brought into the cirque by Jack, I was told my dad was killed. That I would be killed if I didn't learn to control myself and not be a danger to this world." he sighed, closing his eyes. "I rebel against the tethers that were placed on me, and I annoy, tease, and act an ass to everyone merely to appease the hurt and anger I had felt over my dad's death." he forced himself to continue, "Then... to find out Jack had lied to me all those years ago... and to see what my Dad had become..." he shuddered, "That could have been me. Which only terrified me even more." he shook his head. "So I took it out on the only thing I could. You." he said, finally looking at the siren. "And I'm sorry for that. It was childish, foolish, and wrong. I hurt you because I didn't know how to cope with my own pain and fear." he stated, his words rushed and he turned away from Jinx, unable to say any more.


--


The laughter and comments that came from the werewolf beside her only seemed to add to her fluster, and her face was colored crimson and couldn't possibly darken any more. Though she was laughing alongside him, her hands lifted to hide her face as she did. She didn't know how long they laughed, but her chest was lighter when they finally calmed enough to talk again. She straightened slightly, crossing her legs so that she was sitting a little more comfortably and less in a ball, her eyes glancing at the man beside. "I like your laugh." she said lightly, smiling warmly at Nikolai. "You always seem so stoic and quiet, but your laugh is nice too." she complimented, her entire posture seeming to visibly relax as she let out a sigh after catching her breath from laughing. "If it's alright with you, I'll make you a promise." she began, folding her hands around her drink. "We share the same fear, so..." she continued tentatively, "If you ever feel alone..." she paused and reached behind her, plucking a long feather from the main body of her wing. She handed it out to Nikolai, "Just call for me. I'll never let you be alone." she smiled softly. "No matter where you are, I'll hear your call." she explained, nodding toward the proffered feather.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The siren was stunned. The words that poured free from his mouth, hesitant but true, had slithered this shock into her being. Baxter? Afraid? No, terrified? That didn't seem befitting of a demon. But his sentences were true, raw and open. They snared at her heart where the box and lock rattled to be free too. Why her? Out of all people he chosen her for his antics. He had chosen to take his anger upon her, embed harsh insult and comments upon. The question haunted her, stirring and growing; as if the question had a jaw which only spread wider, ready to snap any minute.


Why her? Was it because of their similarities? They both appeased to the power of emotions. They both relied on it to keep their hunger in cheek it seemed. They had to surround themselves with people, people that they opted to use for pleasure; lust was a vast manipulative emotion. It was enough to attach onto and use for your own personal gain. Her fingers pressed to her lips, the movement ginger and simple. Abruptly his stumbled sorry came, almost rushed, and her eyes fluttered shut; squeezing them tight. A breath loosened and then, then she was moving.


Jinx was suddenly upon his lap, her legs on either side of him. Her hands cupped the demon's face, tilting it upwards so she could reflect into those icy hues he possessed. Her lips were imprinted with a frown, those lips wandering around words that bubbled up her throat. Though they wouldn't come free, she had to pick the right sentence. A proper one. Her shoulders slackened and her forehead leant upon his. "It's alright, Baxter," the whisper was quiet but apparently loud in the silence that consumed the bus. "You and I..." Her voice weakened before it steeled, Jinx forcing the words out. "We're the real misfits of this cirque. We're the freaks. It's not the looks, not what we do. But it's the monsters inside us that make us this way and no one can compare to that. Not even Jack."


"It's just you and me. If one of us slips then the other will fall. Promise me that it won't ever happen."


--


His laughter alighted his chest with fluttering feelings and an ache that was rather nice. Nikolai hadn't had a good laugh in years. Perhaps it was because he had withdrawn so much from society and social life. But, then again, he knew that too was needed. This moment, however, he wanted to cling to. He wanted to treasure it at the back of his mind. This moment where he was free, far from the quiet and walls he had devolved around him. He wanted it to last longer. Gray eyes twinkled as he appraised Sera with his gaze.


"Your laugh," he ventured, "is nice too. It's pretty. Sounds sort of like a chime." He watched her closely, almost leaning in to hear her uttered words. Her soft tone that clogged up his ears with relaxing sentences that calmed and coaxed every nerve in his body. Then his eyes dropped to her outstretched hand, the feather stirring and raising slightly in the night breeze. His fingers brushed against the skin of her palm as he plucked up the feather that belonged to the angel. "Thank you," he whispered. Then he paused. Hands groping up to his neck, he unclipped the chain that hid underneath his shirt. He pulled it loose, a whistle attached to the faded iron necklace. "And this can be yours," he offered. "Use the whistle and my wolves and I will be there."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

The blonde demon was surprised when the siren was suddenly in his lap, a rush of uncertainty as her hands cupped around his face, forcing him to all but stare at the woman. His eyes moved across her features, noting the frown, the want to speak but being careful of what she said, her shoulders loosened and he felt her forehead against his own. If it wasn't for the quiet of the bus, he wasn't sure if he'd have been able to hear the quiet whispering as she forced herself to speak.


"It's just you and me. If one of us slips then the other will fall. Promise me that it won't ever happen." Those words rang in Baxter's mind, and hung there, heavy with numerous meanings behind them. His hands moved from his drink, the half empty bottle clattering to the floor, and the subsequent silent note of thanks that the bottle had been closed. They clamped onto the hands that now held his face, his eyes locked on Jinx's as his features formed an almost grim determination. "You and me." he promised, feeling a strength form in him that was unfamiliar. "I'll always be there to catch you." he found himself saying.


--


Sera smiled warmly, her gaze caught by the chain and whistle that was produced and offered to her. Gingerly, she reached for it, taking it in hand as her fingers ran over the whistle, and the faded iron as if it was something precious. "Thank you." she said softly, and clipped the chain around her own neck, tucking the whistle into her shirt. She took a few breaths, turning her attention back to the passing traffic of the main road. "How is Pietro and the others doing with the travel?" she finally ventured to ask once again now that they had settled from her mishap with her belch. "If needed, I can come visit the other animals to help them relax from the stress of moving so quickly." she offered.

 

[QueenofDorks]

A flinch slithered through Jinx as she felt his hands upon hers, clamping tight around them. Her breath hitched softly at the feeling; was this how it was supposed to feel? To feel protected and safe? It was different, an odd sense that she never quite had under the watching guise of Jack or the other carnies. His words settled around her like a warm blanket. He had promised, voice never wavering. "I'll always be there to catch you." Tears caught at her eyes, a sob building up in her aching throat. "Thank you," she murmured, a shudder going along her shoulders as her tears fell, the sob loosening from her parted lips. "I mean it, Baxter..."


--


Nikolai inclined back on his hands that settled beside him. He leaned, stretching his legs out as he admired the glinting traffic that passed by at high speeds. The occasional beeping horn rising in the night air. His fingers clenched around grass and the drifting, soft feather in his grasp. His breathed huffed outwards, "I'd gladly take you up on that offer, angel," he mused, allowing himself to embed a nickname upon the sweet blonde besides him. "My wolves are temperamental creatures. They don't like change. Last time I heard, they were howling up a storm in the cargo." His gray eyes drifted upon her once more, "Perhaps the sight of you will relax them."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter released her hands, sliding his arms loosely around Jinx, careful of her back. He held her, using one arm to shift her so that her head rested on his shoulder, and absently pressed his face into her shoulder. His lips found flesh, and he pressed a kiss there. "Me too." he murmured, and fell silent, just holding the siren. He closed his eyes, letting the silence surround them. He didn't feel there was need for anymore talk, as he didn't really have much more to say. He felt like a small portion of the weight that sat on his chest had lifted, finally having someone else that knew what bothered him the most. The reasons why he was always angry, or mean. He felt... free. Or at least, more so than he had ever before.


--


Sera smiled, a small laugh flowing from her lips as she nodded. "Oh yes. They certainly are." she agreed warmly, "I can vaguely understand them when they speak to me. It's rather entertaining to piece together their complaints." she giggled. She had taken a liking to watching the wolves, and the other animals as well. They always never seemed to busy to keep her company, and for sometime now, Baxter had seemed to have been distancing himself from her. She turned slightly, and looked to Nikolai, "Is is german? The language you use to speak to them." she asked, curious.