{The Circus of The Forgotten}

[QueenofDorks]

(Considering where it's leading, I'm going to leave Baxy and Jinx alone till we timeskip again... xD )


Silence enraptured them in this moment. It was heavy and weighing, like a floppy blanket that wrapped around tight at their shoulders. Her drooping gaze refused to quite meet his. For a moment, Nikolai doubted himself. He had thought he had scraped together the right words, said the slightest and smallest things that could be of some assurance to the angel. But she was quiet, and her silence hanged at her -- biting into his chest. His feet scraped forwards and, gingerly, he tucked his hands against the side of her face. "Sera," he spoke, voice low and lulling. "Look at me, please." He coaxed his fingers under her chin, enough to tilt her countenance up towards him. "I like you, I do. However I haven't really... opened myself to a lot of people. And I'm not sure if I can. But," he steeled a breath and closed his eyes. "I can try. You just have to be patient with me."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

(Of course!)


The angel blinked a few times as his fingers lifted her chin, her gaze fighting the force of having to look up at him. Because she knew there was fear in them. She took a slow breath, releasing it slowly as she finally settled her eyes on his. The sparkling blue orbs wide as he continued past just asking her to look at him. Relief flooded through her as his words didn't bring her fears to life, and her lips spread with a grin to match. She clutched a hand to her chest, a sigh slipping from her once again, coupled with a small nervous laugh. "I'm an angel, Niko." she started softly, finally able to hold his gaze. "Patient is my middle name." she joked, lightening the mood hopefully, and her hand fell to join the other, folded in front of her. Of course, she wanted to just leap at him and hug the werewolf, but she knew that he wasn't that kind of person. She knew from the last time she had reached out to touch him, but also from how he had flinched back when she had rested her hand against his chest. "Even if nothing comes of anything, I'm happy just to call you my friend." she all but whispered, tears pricking at her eyes. She blinked, and took a step back to quickly wipe them away, laughing. "Sorry. I'm... I'm okay. Really." she said quickly, not wanting Nikolai to misunderstand the sudden tears.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The werewolf's fingers worked against the skin of her face. It collected her fallen tears in a gingerly manner. Swiping them even when she had tried to rub them away herself. He was careful with every deliberate move, every touch light and relaxed. He could handle touching others but the thought of having someone else's hands upon him terrified Nikolai. It always drew him to the thought of the ritual, the way his body had been abused; skin cut deep till scars bled with the wiccan symbols, the way his body twisted during his first transformation. Till this day it haunted him and, whether or not he would persevere, was up to him. Perhaps Sera could aid him, back to allowing others hug him, touch him without him flinching away. The thought startled him, at first, but he shortly welcomed it.


A whine of the wolves brought him to reality and he turned to address them. Then his eyes went briefly back to Sera, "I too would be happy to call you a friend, angel," he replied softly. He had pulled away by then, busying himself with righting the ice chest and divvying out the remaining raw meat. "And no need to apologize for you emotions. It happens to the best of us." Once his furred creatures were satisfied with their dinner, and the fresh bowls of water, he wiped his hands clean on the sides of his pants. "If I were you," he began, "I'd hope into the river before bedtime. Just to cool off. This Louisiana weather is going to weigh a lot of us down. I'd rather have it not get to you too."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera smiled as she watched Nikolai finish taking care of the wolves, the night much cooler even if the humidity still hung thick in the air. Absently, her wings stretched and shook, shaking off the collecting water from the air. Her mind far from the place where they stood in the present as she considered the blossoming.... whatever, between her and Nikolai. It was warm, and at least he hadn't outright shot her down. That meant there was hope, and so long as she tread carefully, there wouldn't be any reason for them to at least not remain friends. Her heart and her mind were, as it were, on cloud nine. She blinked as his voice once again filtered into her thoughts as he mentioned hopping into the river before turning in for the night.


She smiled, her eyes focusing on him once again. "There's a river nearby?" she questioned, curiously. She hadn't seen or heard of a river close by, only the pond in which Jinx's trailer had been set up nearby. Which then, the memory slid back to her and her smile faltered. Baxter had moved from the tent he and she had both shared since they were little. He had taken one of the many spares and had it set up near her trailer. Which lead the angel to wonder what had transpired between her demon brother and the siren. She sighed, "I forgot for a moment..." she murmured, and shook herself.

 

[QueenofDorks]

There was a solid thud as Nikolai slammed down the opening of the ice chest. He hefted it aside, slipping it into the empty space besides his tent. Afterwards he straightened and wiped his hands free from the ice condensation that had melted against calloused palms and fingers. "Yeah," he breathed out in response. "Some of the other carnies discovered it. The good of sometimes being silent; you get to hear a lot." His stormy hues settled upon Sera and he briefly noted the faltering smile. The way her face curled in on itself as if remembering a rotten thought. A bitter realization. The happiness tangled in his mind and heart slipped free. Steely concern settled in around him like a blanket. "Sera," he prompted gingerly, imploring her to speak, "are you alright? You appear as if you had eaten a lemon..."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera blinked out of her thoughts, as Nikolai's voice broke through once again. "Oh, uh... Talking about Jinx reminded me. Baxter isn't sharing a tent with me anymore." She explained, sighing softly. "I've always shared a tent with him since we were both small. It's just... sad, I guess." She shrugged, fixing the smile she had held only a moment before. "I should have guessed that eventually he'd want his own tent. I'm being selfish by getting sad over it." She hurried, waving a hand as if to dismiss the subject. In truth, she was selfish about not wanting Baxter to move from the tent, but she had also never been alone before.

 

[QueenofDorks]

"Oh?" Nikolai's brows lifted in surprise over this uncovered notion. Then again, Baxter has acquired a fascination for Jinx. More so than usual. It was evident when they were kids that Baxterhe had looked to the siren in the way she handled herself, the way she wrangled in her emotions before they unraveled and caused mayhem. It was bound to happen, for him to try and catch her attention. It only just left Sera behind, however, without a word or explanation behind the sudden decision. Leaving her unwound and alone. "Did he talk to you about leaving the tent? Because, if perhaps not, I would rather feel a sting of the unknown... he's your brother to begin with. That doesn't ease the hurt either."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera shook her head, another sigh slipping from her. "No. He didn't say anything to me other than it was time he and I stopped sharing a tent." She said with a shrug, brushing hair off her face. "We aren't actually related. Jack gave us that story because of how twin like he and I were. Kind of like... yin and yang. Since he was a demon, and I'm an angel." She smiled serenely at the memory. "It's been so many years now it's just natural we talk about each other as if we really are brother and sister." She laughed warmly, though it was soft. "Whatever reason he has to find his own tent, I'm happy for him." She finally said with another shrug. "I guess... Im just a little scared to have the tent all to myself. For more than just one night." She sighed, and shook her head. "Anyway, would you mind showing me that river you mentioned? A nice dip in the water sounds wonderful after the heat of today." She grinned.

 

[QueenofDorks]

"Regardless of you two not actually being related," Nikolai began, careful with his words, "you both mean something to each other. I rather think it'd be nice to have an explanation beyond than it's too kiddish to share a tent together. You two have been thick as thieves over the past years." Then he mulled over his thoughts that unfurled from his mind. Perhaps it was best to leave it be, left untouched. Then her words were sullen, opening to the fear of being alone. That had been a common fear they both shared and carried between them. "You still have my whistle," he began, voice prompting, "you know if you use it, I'll be there. When ever you feel as if the darkness and the loneliness will consume you, just blow it and I'll be there." As if this was his attempt of concluding their conversation, he turned himself towards the wolves. He conversed to them softly in Russian, ordering them not to stray far from here in his absence then he pivoted, bare feet pattering against the ground as he moved to the edges of the trees that would slip further in the bayou. Apparently the werewolf was expectant for her to follow him.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera nodded as he mentioned the whistle, her hand lifting to press against the place where it lay against her chest, a small smile forming on her lips. "I'll remember." she noted and waited patiently as he addressed the wolves. She was all to glad to step away from the subject of Baxter's absence, and she quickly followed after Nikolai as he moved across the grounds. She had to trot to catch up as it had taken her a moment to notice he had started to move. She glanced at the wolves as she passed, giving them all a warm smile and a small wave before her attention was drawn to the edges of the bayou where Nikolai was disappearing from the grounds. She followed after him silently, her thoughts swimming over the events of the day and the conversation she had shared with the werewolf.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The werewolf's footsteps were silent, padding and maneuvering across the thick lush of grass. He was aware of the angel's presence behind him, her own feet clumsy in the brush and leaves. The thought curled his mouth into an amused smile. She was better being silent in the air than when on the ground. She clambered behind, steps loud and preening in his ears. While he walked with a wolf gait, feet prowling and stalking with agile quietness. It's why he was mostly assigned to stealth jobs, assigned to assassinate and torture those creatures that lurked behind the mask of innocence and a hefty job title. His mind roamed over her loud walking gair and wondered if he could teach her how to walk like a predator in the night.


They soon came into a clearing where it dipped down towards the riverbank, taking up most of the space. The crescent moon in the sky hanged mid-air, shining what little light upon the murky water below. Their was laughter amongst the trees, carnies socializing or flirting with each other. Apparently a hotspot for most of those still awake and energized. "Here you are," he thrilled to Sera, waggling a hand towards the sound of the lapping and stirring water that moved with the breeze of cool air.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera nodded, smiling at the werewolf, "Thanks." she said lightly, making her way out of the underbrush toward the river. "Wanna stay and swim? Or is there anything else you need to do?" she asked, glancing at the werewolf over her shoulder as she approached the water. She dipped a foot into the water, glad she had chosen to go barefoot rather than worry about shoes. The water was warm, but against her warm skin it was still several times cooler and it sent a shiver along her spine. She laughed softly, and stepped into the water, quickly moving to a depth where it met her waist. "This is amazing!" she grinned, though she fought as another shiver ran along her spine as soon as the water lapped at her lower back.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Nikolai watched as Sera emerged herself into the cool, lapping water of the river. He stood back, his hands tucking into the loose pockets of his rolled up jeans. His eyes traveled across her form. Silently noting the shiver that shuddered through her delicate body. He turned his head aside, a hand brushing to his face that plummeted into a scarlet complexion. One that wasn't quite visible in this darkening night. "No thanks," he mumbled. Although he did keep his eyes averted from the angel. "I'd better return to my pack of wolves... do take care Sera." He mustered a gleaming smile, faint and brief, before he turned away. His feet padded back the same path he followed to bring her here, the werewolf silent as he disappeared into the massing jungle of looming trees and brush.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera smiled warmly, "Take care, Niko." She called after him with a gentle laugh as she lowered herself into the water of the river. She couldn't help the gasp and small squeal as the coldness of the water hit sensitive and far warmer areas of her body before she dove under the surface. When she surfaced, the werewolf was gone and a small sense of elation settled into the pit of Sera's stomach. She bit her lower lip, staring for a moment at the spot she had last seen the man, her thoughts repeating their conversation before he had lead her to the river. <em>I like you.</em> That phrase lilted around her thoughts, making her giggle softly. She felt her cheeks warm, and she quickly dunked herself and when she surfaced, she was laughing softly. She played in the water for a while, letting the cool water soak beneath her feathers to cool off her wings.


She didn't honestly care that her wings would probably still be wet by morning, it felt to refreshing to pass up. The moon was fairly high in the sky before she pulled herself from the river, the coolness of the night making her shiver. She laughed as she wrung her hair out and passed her hands over the parts of her wings that she could reach, leaving the ground a sopping puddle. <em>I can't wait to talk to Jinx!</em> She thought as she retraced her steps back to the circus grounds and the large tent that was now her own. She figured it would be better to find Jinx in the morning rather than as late as it was then. She either was with Baxter, or with someone. It had been a while as far as she knew for her friend, and she hoped she found comfort. She paused along her walk occasionally to shake water from her wings, and then eventually slid into her tent. She looked around, seeing the emptiness of Baxter's missing belongings.


Yet she didn't feel as bad about it now. Talking about it with Nikolas seemed to have made it seem a little more real, and easier to accept for the angel. She took in a deep breath, releasing it slowly, and then changed into fresh clothes and curled up on her cot, keeping her wings spread out to help aid them in drying. She silently thanked the carnie who had gotten her a fan. Perhaps they'd be dry by morning after all.


[Morning]


That morning, Sera woke and stretched her wings, happy to find they were, in fact, dry. That was a relief on her part. She moved around her tent, shifting things around now that she was by herself. She didn't fear having to be demoted to a smaller tent, as this one was the only one large enough to allow her wings movement aside from the performance tents. She hummed softly to herself, and dug into one of her many bags. She had always a joy of making things, and she had a rather extensive supply of beads, yarn, thread, and other jewelry and clothing making supplies. It was perhaps the only thing she ever asked for, and something she spent much of her earnings in the Cirque in purchasing. Of course, with her wings, she always had to ask others to go into the towns to buy her things.


A thought came to mind, "Oh! I have to ask Jinx to get me charms from the French Quarter!" she noted to herself, a smile on her features. She returned her thoughts to what she was doing, and opened the small basket that she had removed from her bag. She surveyed the thin silver band that she had been working on. Upon the metal were engravings, clearly a beginner's work, but intricate in the least. She let her fingers pass over the engravings, "I wonder..." she mused, but just as quickly she closed the basket again and shook her head. "I'll have to get better first." she nodded, "Not to mention I have to find out if he'd even like it..." she muttered. She hid the basket in her bag once again and left her tent to find breakfast.


[...]


Baxter had been in and out of sleep the majority of the night, living with the burning pain in his back just so he didn't have to wake Jinx. Yet the sunlight sliding through her windows were slowly becoming unbearable. Yet he still didn't want to disturb the siren, and so he grunted softly as he shifted, his arms pulling the woman close once again. He had already made the silent decision that he wasn't going to hover over her, their unspoken words still heavy in his chest. It wasn't in his nature to focus on one person, as it wasn't exactly in hers either. He wasn't going to ask her to do something like that.


After today, he'd stay in his own tent, unless she asked him to this spot again. It was hard enough, and he knew she was probably having her own issues over whatever it was that seemed to so naturally bloom between them after she had witnessed his near meltdown against his father. He kept his eyes closed, breathing in the now all to familiar scent of the siren.


He didn't want to move from the serenity of the moment, having realized sometime before dawn that his anger that he carried with him at all times had diminished to nearly non-existence. It was peaceful, and somewhat empty, but Baxter didn't care. He took a slow breath, but the moment was ruined as a muscle spasmed, sending lightning across his back. He growled, hissing softly as he pulled away from Jinx. He froze, biting his lip as he tried to focus on anything other than the pain that now flared from his back.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

@QueenofDorks (If you needed help finding the RPs)

 

[QueenofDorks]

Serenity and peace had encased Jinx for a night. A rare occasion for the siren, all considering that she was usually up - awake and alert to the man she had bedded. Or up and pushing said man from her bed, forcing him to flee early in the morning light. This morning was different. She was pressed into the curve and comfort of the demon's arms, head nestled against his shoulder. Her lips moved in a silent mutter; a slur of French and English. Both incorehent and ineligible. Still, the words seemed urgent and soft at once. 


The abrupt shift of the bed and a slurring hiss of pain, had the siren jerking upright. "Merde!" She whispered out in a cry, her hazel eyes unfocused. They searched for a minute before resting on Baxter, stiff and sitting up. Evidently the pain had finally resurfaced. She extended out her fingers, brushing across his arm. "Bax," she whispered, having reluctantly switched into the tone of English. "Do you need me to reapply that salve...? I can change your bandages in the process..." Her words trailed off. She gazed at the incline of his back. The wound of his lashes had bled through, staining not only the bandages but her bed sheets with crimson scarlet.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter stiffened, biting his cheek for a long moment. Something in him wanted to tease the siren over the slip of french. Though his mind was otherwise consumed. Once the spasm subsided, he turned his head so that he could see Jinx a little better. "Sure." he replied, his voice strained from the receding pain, but stronger than it had been the night before. He lifted the arm that the siren hadn't touched, not wanting to disturb her touch, and brushed his hand over his face. Words surfaced to his mind, but he stamped them down. No need for semantics. She knows. He recited to himself, taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly. He glanced toward Jinx, "Thank you." he stated, his eyes dropping to his lap. "Did my new tent get set up?" he asked, looking for some kind of conversation to keep his mind occupied.


[...]


Sera trotted from her tent to where the mess tent was set up. A smile on her face, and if the saying were truth, a skip in her step. Clad in as little clothing as possible, but yet not too revealing, her wings close to her back to keep them from knocking into things. She greeted those who spoke to her, and eventually slid into the mess tent. She took a deep breath, humming at the delicious scent that filled the warm air. "Smells wonderful." she said lightly, moving briskly to the line waiting for food. She bobbed lightly on her toes, creative thoughts sliding in and out of her mind as she waited. As she went through the line, she gathered her normal diet, mostly fruits and vegetables, with very little protein.


"Oh! Uhm... I know this isn't... normal... but, uhm..." she started, eyeing a side plate of somewhat burnt bacon that was mostly overlooked. "Mind if I take that?" she asked, pointing at it, glancing toward one of the many who cooked. They blinked, rather surprised, but nodded. "It's burnt. Only person getting that will be the last one to the line." they said, shrugging. Sera grinned, and snatched up the plate, smiling. "Thank you!" she called over her shoulder as she briskly trotted back out of the tent. She paused to gain her bearings, and then headed for where the wolves and other animals were being held.