Chapter Text
Kibly walked slowly down the street that led to the coffee shop where he worked. The breeze was icy, and he hadn't thought to bring a scarf, just his coat. The walls were still covered with flyers for "The Freak Circus," which the Fools were putting up with incredible speed. Kibly sighed. He didn't know what to think about Pierrot, Harlequin, and the others. His life had changed since the day he'd helped Pierrot and given him a bandage. He knew he'd made the right decision, but now he felt eyes on him constantly. However, that wasn't what frightened him most: it was the others. Harlequin, Jester, Doctor, and TicketTaker. They all had their quirks and flaws, and Kibly was caught in their games. Pierrot was completely devoted to Kibly and regularly gave him little gifts and sweets. Harlequin was more… physical, like the time he'd found himself with him under the pink tent, or when he'd leaned dangerously close. Doctor, on the other hand, wanted Kibly to become his “guinea pig,” his (permanent) experimental subject. Jester wanted to make him suffer, but in such a sensual way that Kibly felt chills run down his spine. And he didn't yet know what TicketTaker wanted from him, but the fact that he'd gotten his attention was probably not good news. Before he knew it, he'd already walked into the coffee shop where he worked. He changed into his uniform, took a deep breath, and started his shift. All morning, he had to serve customers, some happy and others angry. But around noon, a huge figure, followed by the soft sound of bells, entered the shop.
- (Ki) Pierrot!
It was always a pleasure to see Pierrot. The last time they had seen each other, Pierrot had come to his house (how had he managed it?) and reassured him. They had lain down on his bed before Pierrot bit him, and he had managed to convince him to come back to the circus. He had then reassured him at the circus and helped him. He was a good man who hid a great sadness and was truly devoted to him. Pierrot approached Kibly, and despite his smile, Kibly could sense the tension in Pierrot.
- (Ki) It's fine, Pierrot. I assure you I got home safely, you don't have to worry.
Pierrot relaxed a little upon hearing the answer. He then pointed to a milkshake on the order menu.
- (Ki) Like last time? A strawberry, chocolate, and coffee milkshake? I'll make it for you right away.
Pierrot leaned on the bar and stared at Kibly, who was making his milkshake, when suddenly the door burst open and Harlequin walked in. He was dressed in his green and black suit, with his cape hanging down his back. His black hair peeked out from under his hat, and his eyes immediately fixed on Kibly and Pierrot.
- (Ha) Oh? I didn't expect to find Pierrot in such good company.
- (Ki) Harlequin? You look pretty well for someone who's been stabbed.
- (Ha) Oh, you're worried about me? I appreciate the attention. Yes, I'm fine despite the stabbings from our dear friend Pierrot.
Pierrot decided to ignore the green goblin and continue drinking his milkshake while Harlequin chuckled.
- (Ha) He may be very talented on stage, but when he's angry, Pierrot's aim is truly terrible. He stabbed me at least five times before Jester intervened.
- (Ki) If... if you want. An iced coffee, I presume?
- (Ha) Do you remember what I ordered last time? Mmm, could you stop being so charming?
Harlequin let out a small cry of pain when Pierrot kicked him in the shin under the bar, but he didn't lose his smile. Kibly sighed and brought the iced coffee to Harlequin, who kept his eyes glued to him.
- (Ki) But aren't you supposed to be at the circus?
- (Ha) Don't worry, we can miss a day or two of training; Doctor has our backs. Besides, seeing you is more fun than reciting the same stories all day.
- (Ki) I suppose I can understand that feeling. Do you need anything else?
- (Ha) Perhaps a kiss?
This time, Pierrot lost his temper and raised his arm to hit Harlequin before another figure crossed the door.
- (?) Harlequin, could you please refrain from angering Pierrot in public? And Pierrot, do you really want to stoop to his level?
Kibly recognized the voice as Jester's and turned to look at him. He was dressed as usual in his purple, black, and yellow suit. He had thin horns in his hair of varying shades of purple, and he was 15 centimeters taller than Kibly. After scolding the members of "The Freak Circus," Jester also sat down at the bar, a glint of interest shining in his eyes.
- (Je) My dear, could you make me a normal coffee, please?
- (Ki) A normal coffee, right now!
- (Ha) Oh meu Deus… I never thought you'd come here, Jester.
- (Je) Since when have you been a believer? Besides, I like the coffee here. Perfectly filtered just the way I like it, this coffee shop is truly a gem.
- (Ki) Wait. You come here for coffee? How come I've never seen you before?
- (Je) A good magician never reveals his tricks.
- (Ki) In this case, it's more like a jester.
- (Ha) Haha! I told you he was smart!
- (Je) Indeed. I'm delighted to see I wasn't wrong about you, my dear.
Pierrot was silently fuming as he finished his milkshake. If it had been alcohol, he would have downed it in one gulp. But his reaction was so cute that Kibly couldn't take him seriously. He made another milkshake for Pierrot, and he wasn't surprised when two figures, one short and one tall, entered the coffee shop. Doctor and TicketTaker.
- (Ti) Oh? You work here, dear guest with the red ticket? That explains Pierrot and Harlequin's frequent absences…
- (Do) And it also explains the smell of coffee that follows you.
- (Ki) You too have a subtle smell of coffee.
- (Do) The coffee keeps my hands from shaking during operations. But apart from that, I'm not really a coffee fan. I prefer hot chocolate; in fact, I'm going to order one.
- (Ti) And for me, the same coffee as Jester.
Kibly got to work, and while he prepared the drinks, the members of "The Freak Circus" talked (even though Pierrot didn't speak, of course) about new magic tricks, performances, revenue, and improvements to be made. Kibly couldn't help but be intrigued by their conversation.
- (Ki) Excuse my curiosity, but have you ever performed in other cities or even other countries?
TicketTaker's eyes began to gleam dangerously, but he replied with his usual tact and politeness.
- (Ti) Curiosity can be a bad habit, my dear guest, but indeed, our circus has already traveled to different countries and even other continents. Our good Doctor, by the way, likes to collect exotic spices.
- (Ki) Spices?
- (Do) I like to season my food, but I also use spices to mask the smell of blood when I'm operating. It encourages people to come into my tent, so you could say I'm a collector.
- (Ha) You should see the back of his tent; he has bags full of spices. Personally, I prefer Portuguese insults.
- (Ki) Why Portuguese insults?
- (Je) We're from Brazil.
- (Ki) What?!
- (Ha) Haha! Eu amo sua reação, é tão exotiquee!
- (Ti) Harlequin, I'd rather you saved that energy for the circus tonight, but Jester's right, we are from Brazil, but the circus is older than that. We've only owned the place for about ten years now, while the circus has been around for a very long time.
- (Ki) I never would have thought you'd have such an interesting story.
- (Do) We generally try to keep a low profile and avoid attracting attention.
- (Ki) I see. In any case, enjoy your coffees, on the house as a thank you for the tickets.
The rest of the day passed quietly. The presence of the members of "The Freak Circus" frightened the customers a little, but it didn't detract from the good atmosphere that warmed up this cold day. After a few hours, they left, thanking Kibly for the coffees, but before leaving, Pierrot approached Kibly and whispered.
- (Pi) My lord, I'm sorry if Harlequin and the others caused you any trouble…
- (Ki) Not at all, Pierrot! On the contrary, it brought a bit of excitement. And besides, it's always nice to see you again, especially since yesterday.
The red giant began to blush after this confession.
- (Pi) You... you really mean it, my Lord?
- (Ki) Of course. You are kind, thoughtful, and gentle. I haven't understood everything yet, but I know I have nothing to fear from you.
Suddenly, Pierrot's clawed hands closed around Kibly, and Pierrot gave him a big hug. Kibly's face was buried in Pierrot's white hair as he trembled.
- (Pi) You are so kind, my Lord... I promise I will protect you with my life... you mean everything to me, and I can't bear to be away from you anymore... you smell like her...
- (Ki) Pierrot?
- (Pi) My apologies, my Lord! I didn't mean to embarrass you. I'll be back with my comrades soon.
Pierrot left a small chocolate bar in Kibly's pocket Before leaving the coffee shop, Kibly stood motionless for a few seconds, trying to think about what had happened, but no thoughts formed. Finally, he decided to simply close the coffee shop as the sun slowly set, and he walked back up the street home, eating the chocolate bar.