{The Circus of The Forgotten}

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera nodded, "Of course. Whatever you feel is necessary." She said gently, glancing toward the large group of carnies as the calls were sent out to board the busses and trucks as they were about start moving out. She sighed, "Guess I should go... I honestly dislike the busses. They're to cramped for my wings." She bit out a laugh, trying to lighten the mood. She took a few steps, "See you at the next stop?" She prompted.


~~


Baxter laughed, a deep belly laugh, and shook his head. "I make no promises, Jinx. But I'll keep in mind your threat." He said lightly, winking at her before starting up the truck. It's loud engine rumbling to life as voices came through the cb radio, determining who moved out first. There were a few trucks ahead of Baxter, Jack's vehicle being the lead. He lifted the receiver, "Copy. Fourth to move. Let's do this!" He said in a happier tone than he had given Jack the previous night.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Nikolai's ears pricked up at the sound of names being called, carnies being urged back to the busses and assigned trucks. He needed to get himself into the cargo and urge Jack into assurance that he was ready and prepared for the long trek that was ahead of them. His gaze traveled back down to Sera and he bobbed her a courteous nod. "Yes," he chided in agreement, "I'll see you at the next stop. Do take care of yourself, angel." He ducked away, then, the broad Russian striding towards the driver's side door to get into the cargo truck of animals.


--


Jinx puffed out her curvy chest in utmost annoyance at his flirtatious wink. Though a hint of coloration didn't come into her cheeks, not like previous. She slid her legs from the dashboard of the truck and tucked them underneath herself. The siren shied far away from Baxter as possible, pressing the side of her cheek against the cool glass window at her side. Examining the foliage and the small woods that lined this particular rest spot. She paused, however, as she she noted the happy tone used to instruct Jack on their readied preparations to leave. A snort of laughter shook itself from Jinx, "You sound far too happy, Baxy. Not even a bit of kissassing is going to save your hind."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

She gave him a small meek smile as she turned fully from the truck and trotted off to clamber onto the bus. She took the very first seat she could, sitting halfway to the side so that she had room for her wings. Silently, she noted to ask Jack if there was some way they could figure out for her to be able to travel easier. Her wings were almost always making the long bus rides difficult and many times, uncomfortable. She was silent for the majority of the ride, ignoring the jabs at trying to get her to talk about the enigmatic werewolf. Though somewhere down the line she had started to blush as they teased that she was the only one who seemed to have gotten close to him. "Of course the angel would get close to him. She gets close to everyone that takes her fancy." Came a snide comment that had rather malicious meaning behind it, but also made many of the folks laugh. She sighed, opting to stare out the window and ignore everyone. They were just upset that she refused to work behind Jack's request to heal their everyday aches and pains.


~~


Baxter shrugged, laughing lightly, "I'm not trying to save my ass by kissing his." he said as he shifted the truck into drive just in time to start moving forward. He followed the line of vehicles out onto the freeway. "I'm just in a chipper mood." he smirked, glancing sideways at the siren before focusing on the road ahead. "I may not be on my bike, but at least I'm not stuck on a crapped bus with all those other assholes. I think I'm riding in style." he said in a cocky manner, though he hoped the lining compliment toward the Siren would go fully noticed. He was slightly disappointed how she didn't seem as flustered as earlier when he had stolen the simple kiss on her cheek.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Nikolai followed the amassing line of trucks and buses out from the rest stop. He took care with every turn and only sped up once they had hit the freeway. This time, as he drove, he didn't hear the whines or the snarling of the animals in the back of the cargo. They were quiet and compliant, no doubtingly settled and relaxed. Sera had certainly done him a favor by working her little bouts of magic upon every furred creature. Especially his pack of wolves. Crackling static popped onto the radio before Jack's voice cut through, "Louisiana here we come. We'll be settling in at the circus grounds by the bayou within four days. Keep it together in the mean time, as always. We settle in again at the next rest stop at 10:00."


--


Jinx gazed at Baxter with lacking enthusiasm. Her brows lifted in a silent question similar to that of are you serious right now? Though when she parted her lips, prepared to supply her own quip, static broke through and Jack's voice spilled free from the radio. She cooked at the sound of his tone, happy and upbeat. Way to cheery for the ring leader she had come to known. A shudder ran through her. "At least," the siren began, after his announcement snapped off, "you don't sound that chipper. Good God, that would scare me." She tucked her chin upon her hand then, and considering the demon's prompted words. "So, what, are you saying that despite being in the lamest truck, you're riding with one of the coolest gals?" A smirk finally upturned the curves of her mouth, "I'll certainly take that compliment, Baxy."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

The four day journey was long, only mostly irritable, and certain somewhat entertaining. Sera had grown tired of the bus, bailing from the bus each time it came to a stop since she almost always had the first, or at least second, seat on the bus. She searched out Nikolai each night, keeping her distance from the wolves when she needed. She still felt bad about Pietro, and there were some moments when she camped away from the wolves themselves.


Baxter had a fun time prodding at Jinx as they drove the huge equipment bus. He sometimes made romantic comments that could easily be mistaken for plain banter, and other times he was an outright git about how he acted, though it was always in good fun. He found teasing the siren was the best entertainment for a long journey.


They had reached the grounds where they would set up the circus on a muggy mid-morning, and Baxter was quickly swallowed by the busy bodies and duties of making sure tents went up, and equipment was brought out and set correctly. He eventually ended up only in a pair of pants and shoes, sweat dripping down his flesh from the wet heat. Sera, on the other hand, busied herself with helping the animals settle into their new locations.


It was early evening, as the day was finally starting to cool, when Baxter reported to Jack's tent. Everything was set up, save for the big top which would be lifted in the morning. Carnies were settling in for the evening, finding places to bathe after a hard days work. The air was thick with body odor, and bug repellant. "Let's get this over with, I guess." he muttered as he slid into Jack's tent, still clad in only his pants and shoes. There wouldn't have been any point in fetching a shirt.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Louisanna, as expected, was hot and humid. Though Jinx may have despised the weather, she welcomed the state they were in. New Orleans was at the back of her mind, taunting and waiting to be explored. She yearned to head into the city, to visit the French quarters that remained prominent, now in the present. Born in France, and French being her native tongue, she quite looked forward to speaking to acquaintances and perhaps even the men of these quarters. Baxter, too, had found his way amongst her thoughts. The man had been rowdy and entertaining company during the four day trip. His flirts and teasing were apparent, bland at times but always elicited a laugh from her.


On the bayou circus grounds, after departing early in the morning from the truck, the siren sought out the car her trailer was hitched up to. From there she instructed few carnies on where she wanted it set, far from the opening tents, and closer to the pond that was offered for them. Already staking claim on the murky waters for her own use. Sweat dampened every inch of her skin, Jinx having soon opted for a bustier and lace ripped tights for her outfit. As evening rolled around, looming upon them, the air became cooler and offered a better environment for the carnies to move about freely and work continuously on the tents and equipment.


Her lashes had considerably healed, but now and then she had to apply the concoction of mumbling salve and herbs to avoid the leering danger of infection. She had been crossing the new grounds, seeking out opportunities to help the others, when hazel eyes caught the sight of a shirtless Baxter slipping into Jack's own personal abode. A hand gripped up and snatched at heart, squeezing it between harsh fingers. His punishment. She forgot of it. Bare feet coaxed across the fresh grass to the tent flap opening, and she hunched down, flopping onto her rump. She would wait. She would wait and help him patch up his blistering wounds, apply the same salve to the lashes or whatever wounds Jack decided to mark upon his body.


--


Jack had just been settling several books upon his newly positioned desk. His tent had evidently been set up first, the most cared for before anyone else's. He tilted his head towards where the demon had appeared, the flaps to his tent falling behind his defiant form. A disapproving click uttered between his teeth, choosing to be interested in one of the worn literature books cradled in his grasp. "I didn't call upon you, boy," he uttered, using the terminology to belittle him. Because that's what Baxter's attitude inspired; a childish boy, a stubborn boy. One who still hadn't learned his place or when to hold his tongue. "I had hoped you would wait till I summoned you on my own terms.


"But if you must insist upon it..." There was a thud as the books landed upon the harsh, wooden surface. The ringer leader's movements were slow and deliberate as he retrieved the dirtied whip from a drawer of his desk. Still caked in blood, Jinx's blood. He rounded towards Baxter, eyes cold yet forgiving. Condescending almost. "Kneel, boy. Have your back facing me."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter's hand clenched into fists, his breath catching in his chest. His eyes darted to the whip that was now held in Jack's hands and back again to meet the ring leader's gaze. "Why would I give you that much satisfaction?" He taunted softly, knowing Jack had wished to call upon him when he was ready, not when Baxter chose. A smirk slid onto his features, his spine straightening slightly as he faced off against the approaching man.


Fire licked at his fingers, and Baxter spun, dropping to his knees. He placed his fists against his thighs, forcing the flames back. He wouldn't cause a disturbance. Not now. He bent his head forward, waiting. His thoughts slid to Jinx and the memories he had of the siren. That would be what he used to keep his emotional energy in check. Hopefully, it would work.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The whip slashed out and bared down upon Baxter's back, the intensity snagging skin and tearing it free. The sound revebrated through Jinx's very being, a flinch slithering up her hunched spine and drew her far from the present. Drew her back to the morning before they had left, the muffled cries of hers, bruised and bleeding lips from biting too hard on the sensitive skin. Another lash wailed down upon the demon. The motion was repeated and repeated. Over and over, the ring leader watching as red welts sprouted across his back, watching as they burst open and bled. Watching as the skin simmered to flaring scarlet underneath the lashes. Jack didn't stop after five. He kept going after five, summarizing his anger and frustration into every flick of his wrist.


"I took you in," he snarled, "I gave you a home, a life your father could never offer. I lied because your father would teach you to be brute of an animal. I lied so you wouldn't seek him out. You showed weakeness and you disobeyed me when I gave you the assignment. I thought you ready. I saw you as a son." Every word and syllable was growled and bared from his mouth. Sometimes enforced with another snap of the whip across the bleeding skin. Abruptly he dropped the whip, heaving, and panting. Eyes hardened with anger. "Get out of my sight! You cross me again, Baxter, and I will throw you from the cirque. Then we'll play the game of cat and mouse. We'll hunt you down when you've lost all sanity."


--


With a few carnies help Nikolai had constructed his tent back up for the evening. What little belongings he had, along with the usual assigned cot, was spread out within the small abode. Now he was backtracking, bare feet stamping across the moss and green foliage that was spread out in this particular area of the grounds. He had requested, in the mean time till the shows started, that his accumulated wolf pack be posted near him. Their cages were appointed beside his tent, the wolves crooning with howls and pants from the heavy air. It may have cooled down but the humidity was still evident.


Tucked into his hands was several bowls that he balanced, washed and cleaned. Ready to be poured with water and have raw meat be slathered upon it. He crouched, murmuring softly to the whining wolves in Russian. Assuring that their dinner was here and would soon be served.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter flinched as the first lash stung his skin, his jaw tensing to keep from crying out as the pain flared within him, radiating from his back. He took each lash, not bothering to count at all as he listened to the words that were spit at him. They startled him, if he were honest with himself. He had never thought Jack had felt like that, and he had never thought he'd have heard them uttered. Jack saw me as a son? he thought, staring at the ground in front of him. He froze when he heard the thud of the whip hitting the ground, all he could feel was the pain that emanated from his back, his legs numb from having been sitting on them.


He sat like that for a few moments, letting the throbbing lessen slightly. "I won't lose my sanity... I made a promise to someone." he said softly, his voice low and nearly broken. He started to push himself to a standing position, grunting as the pain intensified as his muscles stretched with the effort to climb from the ground. "I'm sorry I failed. Thank you for making me see that." he muttered as his pushed out of the tent. He winced every few steps, the blood trickling down his back as he moved. He glanced sideways, something pulling at him to look in that direction and spotted Jinx. He grit his teeth to bite against the pain, "Figured you'd have run off to the French Quarter by now." he managed, trying to keep the pain from his voice.


~~


Sera busily helped the kitchen tent prepare an evening meal for the cirque, though she didn't linger long. She wasn't much of a cook, and that was all that was left of the food to have done. She grabbed a few apples, tucking the extras into her pockets before slipping out of the tent. With it getting later, she knew she had a chance to stretch her wings. She smiled, biting into an apple as she leaped into the air, spreading her wings and lifting into the air. She didn't fly to high, not wanting to attract any attention if any people from the city had come to view their setup, munching on the apple as she did so.


She caught sight of the tent she, now, recognized as Nikolai's, the cages of the wolves settled nearby. She grinned, and flew over, dipping toward the ground and grabbing a small handful of grass. She snickered, and lifted slightly higher into the sky in hopes that she'd perhaps be able to sneak up on the werewolf. When she was close enough, she let the tiny bit of grass fall from her fingers and sprinkle over Nikolai's dark hair. "You look almost like you stepped out of a shower." she said lightly, her wings slowly passing through the air so that she hovered.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The flutter of the tent flaps opening alerted Jinx to the emerging demon. Her eyes tilted upwards, face blanching and growing still. There was blood, a lot of it The smell of iron was present and heavy in the air. Droplets presented itself to the ground as it slipped free from his maimed back. She wasn't sure what she had expected. Fewer lashes perhaps, less severity of his punishment. Jack wouldn't have gone too far. But he did. He did, his anger fueled every lash, every wound that stripped his skin to pink and reddened flesh. She couldn't stop her eyes from lingering.


It started her when he spoke, a managed comment that she detected to be playful but how could it when she could hear the strain? When she could hear the pain? Jinx swallowed thickly. "I reconsidered. Jack probably wouldn't have wanted me out beyond the circus grounds to begin with," she replied gingerly. The siren was climbing to her feet then, straightening out her form before him. "C'mon. I'll patch up the lashes for you," she urged, beckoning for him to follow her. But then she backtracked and peered at him closely, concern evident in her alighted hues. "Do you need help with walking?"


--


Nikolai was too consumed with the wolves to hear the fluttering of wings overheard. He had been pouring clean water into several dishes, lining then up into a straight line. Before pulling the ice box filled with raw meat towards him, wondering what carnivorous treats he could feed his prowling pack. Not till the flutter of grass in his hair, and the slightest of laughters, did he alert to the fact that he wasn't alone. At first the werewolf was confused, examining the edges of the bayou. Before his smell of sense urged him up. His gaze looked towards the sky where Sera hovers in mid-air, wings spread wide and strong.


His mouth tilted into a ghost of a grin, "Thing is I need to take a shower. This weather is going to be the death of me and the wolves." He popped open the ice chest and cupped his hands through the crushed coldness, moving around several pieces of meat. "It's easy for us to get dehydrated in this heat."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter absently shrugged a shoulder, sucking in a breath at the severity of the action. "Admit it." he started, biting out a chuckle, "You were worried about me." he said, forcing a smirk to his lips as he started to follow after the siren. He shook his head, "I can walk. I just might be slower than usual." he said softly, putting one foot in front of the other in emphasize his words. "Let's go to your trailer, if that's okay. If Sera is at the tent, she'll want to try and heal these." he added, wincing as he nodded his head to motion toward his back.


~~


Sera smiled, and slowly lowered herself to the ground, carefully folding her wings against her back as soon as she felt her feet touch the grass. She was dressed in a spagetti strap camisole and shorts, her feet bare of any shoes. She knelt beside Nikolai, peering into the ice chest. "I'm sure. I'm going to spend as much free time as I can checking on all the animals. That way I know they'll have water." she noted, her nose wrinkling at the smell of the raw meats. She leaned away from it, shaking her head. "Raw meat smells funny." she said lightly, poking fun. An idea occurred to her, and she grinned, standing and walking a small distance from where Nikolai and the Wolves were. She turned and spread her wings, moving them just fast enough to create a small breeze for the furry creatures. "That help any?" she laughed warmly.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Color blossomed in the siren's face at his prodding comment. His lazily held smirk didn't help much either. She puffed out her cheeks stubbornly and pivoted, pattering her feet across the mossy grass. "That's where I was heading anyways," she interjected, keeping a few steps ahead of him. She didn't want to be close, she didn't want to admit the concern that had weighed on her chest in wait. Such feelings that had flinched and growled with every crack of the whip across his flesh. She pressed her fingers to her lips; such thoughts had consumed her mind. Jinx didn't speak after that, not once. She showed him to her trailer where it had been set up, the flimsy door coming away with a gentle push and she was up, climbing up the steps and into the familiar environment that she called home.


Hands were delicate as they found the numbing salve, serval herbs, and a pack of bandages. Also an appearing bottle of whiskey. "For the pain," she explained, breaking the draping silence between them as she held out the alcohol towards him. Her head then nodded towards her mess of a bed, "Sit and I'll start to do what I can."


--


Sera looked pretty tonight. The thought popped into his head abruptly. It threw Nikolai off entirely but... after several suprised moments, he would welcome the notion. She did look pretty. Her wings added to his thought, spread out taut in a mystical potion. A chuckle loosened from his mouth and the werewolf leaned closer into the ice chest. Hoping that the cooling environment would ease the building flush in his face. "Hey," he began, "raw meat tastes delicous, thank you very much." For effect he pulled free a drooping T-Bone and inhaled the smell of fresh meat, the lingering remnants of blood. "And it smells perfect."


His stormy eyes watched as she distanced herself, brows slightly raised in a silent question of wonder. But that question was soon answered as her wings began to flap, sending a spiraling cool breeze towards him and the wolves. The furred creatures seemed to perk up and welcome the sudden cold wind. One even went far enough to tilt his head back and howl in appreciation. "I agree with that guy," Nikolai remarked to Sera, jabbing her a thumbs up before he began to divvy out the meat amongst his pack. "I thought you'd be stretching out your wings and flying around by now. Considering it's night and all. Am I that fun?"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter gave a laugh, quickly followed by a yelp of pain as he spotted the color that flooded Jinx's face, though he opted at that particular moment not to comment on it. He followed her back to her trailer, climbing tenderly inside. He gratefully took the offered bottle of whiskey, turning it up to his lips as he took a heavy drag of the liquid. He hissed slightly as he lowered the bottle, his mouth and throat burning from the content, but he gave a small laugh. "Thanks." he muttered, shuffling toward the bed where she had motioned. He tossed the extra blankets and other things out of the way, not wanting to cover to much of the siren's belongings with his blood, and then sat himself down.


He attempted to sit comfortably, but it was difficult, so he ended up laying on his stomach, one arm tucked under his head, the other hanging off the side of the bed so that he could still drink from the bottle of whiskey. "I'm on a thin line... Jack said I'm out if I cross him again." he sighed, the words Jack had said to him still raw in his thoughts.


~~


Sera laughed, shaking her head as he commented on the meat, "Good for you! I think it smells funny." she whined in a playful manner, sticking her tongue out at the man. After the several nights of having gotten to know Nikolai, she had become more at ease with him and the wolves. She spun slightly to face in the werewolf's direction, grinning, "They are at least." she tossed out in a playful mocking notion, pointing toward the wolves. She belted out in laughter, as she turned and resumed using her wings to give them all a cooling breeze after the heat of the day.

 

[QueenofDorks]

With Baxter sprawled out across her bed, lying absently on his stomach, Jinx was able to nestle besides him. She kneeled next to his lounging form, and pulled free from her bedside table a bottle of disinfectant. Inspecting his lashes closely, she realized how terrible the wounds were. Seared pink and red flesh, mingling against swelled skin and dripping blood. The sight made her squeamish but she steeled herself together. "This is going to sting," she advised before dumping the clear liquid onto the severe lashes. She then worked quickly, wiping away the puss and the blood that consumed together. Her movements were precise, sharp, but as well as gentle and tentative. "Then don't cross him again," she advised, never quite taking her eyes off of his back. "Control your mouth and that condescending personality of yours."


--


A sharp breath of feigned dismay drifted from Nikolai's mouth. He pressed a hand to his chest, "You think these furred creatures are fun? And not me?" Of course the prompted question was far exaggerated with his hurt tone of voice. Plus the waggling hand gestures to the wolves and then back to himself. "I'm quite offended, Sera! Here I thought we had become friends." Seeming to sense their master's act, the wolves nudged each other and snapped out little whimpers of amusement. As if to say ha, you got rejected! The werewolf tossed the remaining meat into their cages. The pack seemed to grow quiet at the sight of the cavernous treat. "You are a bad influence on them, after all," he chided scoldingly to the angel.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter sucked in a breath that sounded more of an hiss, his free hand clamping into a fist against the bed as the disinfectant hit his wounds. He was tense for a moment, unable to answer her or anything more than sit there. Finally he released the breath, his muscles relaxing slightly as the pain subsided, the initial shock over with. He sighed, "I royally fucked up that last hunt." he muttered, letting his eyes slide closed as Jinx worked on his lashes. "I lost it over my dad... I had a taste of his insanity." he spoke softly, his breath catching anytime the pain spiked. He took a few smaller sips of the whiskey, thankful that being a creature like he was, he didn't have to worry about the alcohol affecting him. Well, if he drank more than just this one bottle then it would.


"I made you a promise, so I guess I'm gonna have to learn to bite my tongue." he managed, chuckling slightly, as he took in a deep breath and released it slowly. "Think I can have a pass to kiss you anytime I need a distraction from saying something I shouldn't?" he prompted, mostly just attempting a joke rather than being completely serious about it. Though a part of his mind thought that if she agreed, than her threat to punch him the next time would be void. Which made his smirk with the thought, unable to keep that from showing on his features.


~~


Sera let out a gasp of mock indignation, her wings snapping against her back as she turned and marched over to where the werewolf stood. She set her hands on her hips, straightening herself to her full height, which was still nearly a head shorter than Nikolai. "I am not a bad influence!" she argued, fighting the smile that threatened to ruin her act. "I am an angel, good sir!" she scoffed, turning her nose up at him as if he had insulted her. Only her expression lasted for only a few seconds before she was unable to contain her laughter. She broke, laughing warmly, "My acting skills need work." she sighed, still laughing.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Her delicate fingers worked across his maimed back, soaking up any blood with a spare towel. Though Jinx may have been silent, she was certainly listening. Deciphering and digesting every word and syllable that came free from his mouth. A little surprised to hear Baxter's own admittance to how he royally screwed up the last hunt. She uncapped the bottle of numbing salve as soon as the blood had been wiped clean. "There will be more hunts to come, trust me. New Orleans is one of the many sin cities." She spread the salve across her fingers and, carefully, began to apply it to his lashes. "A lot of creatures are drawn here. So you can just as easily make up for what happened last time."


The siren stilled her hands in mid-motion, wavering just above his wounds. His joking comment had caught him off guard; he had been doing that a lot lately. Her walls were crumbling loose it seemed, growing soft everytime he was around. She bit into her cheek and purposefully slathered a good amount of the salve against his lash, enough to feel the herbs and mixed medicine burn before the numbing sensation set in. "I can't always be your distraction," she chided to the demon beneath her, "but I'm sure you can find other entertainment here in Louisiana. There's strip club joints around here so you can just as easily find yourself some other gal pal to keep you occupied. You already made your conquest on me, remember?"


--


"And I am a werewolf! Does that make me a savage to you, angel?" It was hard enough for him too, to wrangle in his smile, and force a look of dismay upon his countenance. Such an expression wobbled, however, unable to contain it anymore. His laughter was brisk and loud, deep and resonating. It echoed in the air around them and he bared his teeth back into an amused grin. That's when he noticed how close their bodies were, Sera having gotten up into his face to ensue her perfectly well stated argument clearly. His breath stuttered at the recognition. One hand, absently, drifted up and cupped against the side of her face. The motion was affectionate and gentle, his stormy gray eyes cautiously peering into her own; awaiting for some sort of invite.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter chuckled, his mass of thoughts and emotions thick enough to easily hide the minor twinge of hurt by her brushoff. "Ah, but you're the one who is always closest." he retorted, though his words were cut short as the burning sensation set it just before the pain began to dissipate as his back went numb. The last part of her statement plunged into his chest, and his laugh faltered. He sighed, "You weren't a conquest. I may have joked about, but that's..." he started, before his mind shut his thought down and he went silent for a moment. "Never mind. You're right. I'm sorry." he muttered, taking another long drink of the whiskey before letting out another sigh. "So... How many times did he hit me?" he asked, switching the subject.


~~


Sera laughed along with Nikolai, enjoying the short banter they had shared. It was nice to see the werewolf laughing and smiling, something that he hadn't ever really done before. She felt a shiver zip like lightning down her spine as he felt his hand against the side of her face, the motion gentle, and caring. Her eyes glanced up to his as her face colored, her lips curling in a small smile. "N-no... It... doesn't make you a savage." she managed, her voice breaking from both a small laugh as well as the anticipation that slithered along her spine. Immediately, her thoughts noted that this had been the first time he had touched her, aside from the time he had helped her when her arm had been burned by Baxter.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Satisfaction hummed through Jinx as she noted his faltering laughter upon her recalling of his sour words. With the salve set aside, she then withdrew the roll of bandages and tenderly worked her fingers through the thread and taut fabric. "I need you to sit up. Just enough to wrap the bandages from your back and around your chest." The mattress dipped under her as she shifted, scooting back enough so Baxter could have enough room to pull himself up. "It's hard to tell how many lashes but all I know is that he severed your skin severely." Her fingers were dirtied in blood and the leftover transparent remnants of salve. She gripped the bandages tighter and, as soon as he had done what she asked, she began to wrap his lashes. "You do realize I was only taunting you? I don't particularly mind if you use me as your entertainment or of means to ease your wild behavior. It's in my nature to please and allure men, anyways."


--


Sera's face sprouted in color, a tint of red that spread across her cheeks. That was the first thing Nikolai noticed. Then too her stammered words were heard, neither fear or indignation in them. Not a savage? Not a beast, not the monster he had led himself to believe. And she didn't move. His stormy eyes noted that quickly. She didn't coil away from his unexpected touch. In fact, she seemed to wait in expectation. Lingering, almost. His other hand cupped the base of her neck, and he didn't let hesitation snare him down. He didn't let the nagging motion of doubt sway him from his decisive moments. He leaned in, and kissed her. Gentle, and light. The affection softly applied against her own lips.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter pushed himself into a somewhat seated position, his back to the siren who sat on the bed as well as she had worked on his back. He set his hands behind his head to keep them out of her way as she wrapped the bandages around his torso. He was silent as she worked, focusing on keeping from flinching and twitching as the pain dulled to a tolerable ache thanks to the salve she had applied. Once he was all bandaged up, he shifted carefully so that he was sitting sideways once again, his dark sapphire hues addressing the siren with an unknown emotion behind them. He reached over, brushing a stray lock of her violet hair out of her face and behind an ear, his fingers lingering for a moment, hesitant. "I don't want to use you, Jinx. You get enough of that from the humans." he stated finally, his hand dropping as he looked away, lifting the bottle to his lips and draining what was left of the whiskey.


~~


Sera's skin prickled as his other hand lifted to rest at the base of her neck, swallowing softly as her gaze fluttered between looking at the werewolf and not. Then he had bent, his lips softly pressed to her own, gentle and light. She blinked several times as her mind processed what had happened, her body rigid from the surprise. Yet only a fraction of a moment later, her eyes fluttered closed as she relaxed into the motion. Her scarred hand lifted to rest on Nikolai's hand that held her face, the other finding its way to rest against his chest, her head tilting back slightly.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jinx had wrapped his torso tightly, tucking the loose ends of the bandages together in a secured manner so they wouldn't unravel or loosen from his body. After that she sat back, and chucked the bloodied towel onto the floor of her trailer. Though she took care with tucking the bandages and salve onto the bedside table. Then her head tilted, hazel eyes searching upwards to assess his fingers; the way they lingered just beside her ear. She sucked in a soft breath. His touch was gone, suddenly, his hand drooping back to his side. Her shoulders slumped and she stared pointedly at the now empty bottle of whiskey. "Hmph. You didn't save any for me," she quipped, avoiding his comment from previous. He had said it too sincerely and it was soft, caring almost. She steeled herself off from those kind of emotions.


--


So far, she hadn't had slapped him or shoved him aside. Sera hadn't rejected him. In fact, Nikolai could feel her relax under his touch. Although he would admit to flinching slightly at the touch of her own fingers, splaying against his chest. He hadn't expected it and, for a moment, his mouth drew back. His breath came undone, uneven across the base of her lips. Behind him the wolves seemed taken aback by this sudden display of affection. Their food became forgotten and no longer of interest to the feral creatures. A whine emitted from them, a low begging tone. The particular noise coming from Pietro, his tail hung between his legs and ears flicked back in a sullen expression. "I-I'm sorry," the werewolf stammered, pulling away.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter glanced to the bottle, the all to familiar smirk playing on his lips as he forced the sentimental feelings that had surfaced to the bottom of the pit that was his chest and mind. She had pointedly ignored his statement, which pulled at him, but knowing the kind of creature she was, and the kind that he was, there was certainly a reason for it. He wouldn't push the matter, and return to their usual interaction. "My bad. When we get a chance to get in town, I'll snag you a new bottle." he said with a shrug, letting the empty bottle carefully slide from his fingers to the floor with a clatter.


It was growing dark outside the trailer, and the grounds were growing quiet as people settled in for the night. They'd wait for Jack's instructions before performances would begin, as well as the coming hunt that was sure to bring excitement. A small part of Baxter's mind wondered if Jack would let him partake in the hunt or not. He would just have to wait and see. The silence was thick between him and Jinx, and he was having a hard time keeping his previous thoughts from surfacing. There was more he wanted to say to the siren after all they had been through recently, but he couldn't bring himself to say it. Instead, he reached over, his fingers twining around her upper arm in a gentle grasp as he pulled her to him and kissed her.


~~


Sera's eyes opened slowly when Nikolai's lips left hers, her own breath slightly short as she tried to breathe slowly. She gazed up at the werewolf, her attention held by the still close distance between them both. When he finally spoke, he stammered an apology and pulled away. As much as Sera didn't want him to, she let him go, her arms slowly lowering to her sides. "O-oh... uhm.... It... It's okay." she said quickly, her face still crimson in blush. She smiled warmly, "You don't have to apologize. It was..." she paused, biting her lip for a moment as she considered if she should even keep talking. "It was nice." she finished, a soft laugh slipping between her lips. She heard a noise from the wolves, and her gaze was drawn to the creatures. Her blush seemed to darken, if that was possible, "Pietro looks like I broke his heart..." she said softly, feeling for the wolf.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The clatter of the empty glass bottle was the only sound amidst their silence. Jinx drew into herseld, elbows nestling on top of her thighs while her chin balanced on her hand. It was evident that there was stuff unsaid between her and the demon poised at her side. Words that were forming at the tongue, sentences ready to be loosened and untangled from their hearts. But there were things that should be left unsaid. Things that shouldn't be said entirely. In retrospect, it was this particular moment, she believed, that words should remain quiet. And they did. But it didn't quiet the ravenous thoughts that scoped through her mind, entangled with several notions of Baxter.


Hazel hues bore down upon the slightly open window of her trailer. Watching blearily as the sun dipped low beyond the bayou, night settling. Crickets and frogs joined each other in harmony, their noises loud and fervent. A contribute to her thoughts. Then she felt his fingers against the skin of her upper arm, drawing her close, pulling her against him. His lips upon hers, head bent low to apply the affection. And she responded, like she always would. She leaned in, hands drifting to cup against his face as her teeth nibble encouragingly at his bottom lip. Eager and welcoming to his sudden want to kiss.


--


A hesitant grin broke out onto Nikolai's face. Broad and self assured by her stammered words. His hands slid back to their usual place at his side, feet gliding backwards to place distance between the two. His gaze was lulled to the wolves where Pietro whimpered and whined. The furred creature settling upon himself, nestling his chin in the mossy grass and looking far from the pair. "You must've captured his heart, angel," he murmured. "Wolves are hopeless creatures when it comes to their masters and mistresses. Their love and bond for them is inseparable."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

The demon pressed the kiss deeper, his other arm moving to wrap around the siren. The light, encouraging nibble at his lip all he needed. Words were only just that, and for them, maybe the words never needed be spoken. She was a siren, and he a demon. That was all there was to it, regardless of their own thoughts. Their normal lives would be complicated if the niceties were spoken. He carefully shifted the woman, pulling her closer and nearly into his lap as he focused on their affectionate exchange. He didn't need words.


~~


Sera gave a small nod, folding her hands before her as her gaze turned back to the werewolf. "I feel for him..." she started, her eyes dropping to the ground. "I never meant to steal any of their hearts." she smiled softly, "Though I am honored that he cares for me." she added, a small laugh slipping from her. She paused after that, chewing on her lip as she thought of how to put her thoughts into words. "To be honest..." she started softly, though she seemed to flinch from whatever words she had wanted to say. She was quiet for a moment, before spinning on her heel so that she had her back to Nikolai. "I... I've liked you..." she started, her face feeling warm as her voice waivered with embarrassment and nerves. "For some time now..." she added with a breathless laugh. "That's why... I've been spending so much time with you and the wolves." she said as she spun to look at him again. "I wanted to get to know you...." she nearly whispered, eyes on the ground.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jinx felt the applying pressure of his mouth against hers. She felt his fingers slide, adjusting against her waist. Holding her before pulling her close. She felt the edges and curves of his lap, the siren - without breaking contact - climbed on top, careful with every precise movement. Her arms brushed up his chest, curling, before settling around the base of his neck. Was this how it would always be? No words, no thoughts, about their actions. No consideration of what they were, what they would always be; this mixed relationship of ups and down. The siren withdrew, breath fanning out across his parted lips. Her hazel eyes settled upon his own sapphire ones, then she moved. Her lips pressed to his jawline and worked their way down, her hands falling aside to grip at his thigh.


--


Nikolai looked upon the gathered pack of wolves, watching as they eyed the fumbled pair. Pietro didn't seem to take part of this staring contest they had decided to form. From the corner of his eye he watched as Sera spun away, almost ducking her head aside, as she began to ramble. Though the tone of voice was soft and stammering. Unsure if she should be saying anything at all. Then the words were pouring out, free; raw and open at once. There may have been hesitation but she was still brave about saying these kind of things. Surely he, a supposed strong werewolf, would stammer and flutter over muttering his feelings. "Is that so?" He questioned, the rough-edged man digesting her particular words. He too considered his gaze across the ground before tilting his chin back up, forcing his eyes to level out and appraise the angel before him. "I didn't think I would attract any female wandering eyes. N-not that I don't mind, of course...!"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter's breathing was shallow as the kiss parted, his eyes holding onto Jinx's as they connected in the silence. Then her lips were against his jaw, working lower as her hands found his thigh. A small noise bubbled in his throat, want and desire pooling in his stomach and drowning out all else. His back wasn't hurting for the moment, and even though he'd regret it by morning, he didn't care right at that moment. A hand brushed along her spine, fingers ghosting up the back of her neck until they tangled in her hair. The other sliding around her waist once again as he pulled them both backward, carefully laying back.


~~


Sera flushed, fidgeting while Nikolai was in silent thought, exchanging looks with the wolves who seemed to hold audience. She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat after the admittance of her feelings, fear welling in her chest. Depending on what he said from her, she was vulnerable. Memories of before the cirque flooded her mind, and she attempted to fight them off. Her palms were sweaty, and she shifted her weight from foot to foot. Finally he spoke, it wasn't acceptance, but it also wasn't rejection. Which didn't ease her fears. She gave a timid smile, dipping her head in a short nod, unable to trust herself to speak.