Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The circus was dark, a blanket of black covering the digital landscape. Everything was quiet, the one time of day where every character went to bed, when Caines adventures were put to rest.

Well, all that would've been extremely nice! If Jax could sleep. He was sitting on some couch in the main circus hall. The usually vibrant tints were all muted. A soft contrast to how they'd be perceived in the morning. For once, he felt somewhat at ease.

His head pounded slightly and he dared a groan. Tugging softly at his ears. Head falling back. He thought he'd feel better by now. That stupid extra adventures should've put him right to bed, but no. He was restless.

His mind darts to the maid dress. How it hugged his form. The familar feeling one he wasn't all too pleased with. His foot kicks, roughly forcing him away from the thoughts as he sits up.

Maybe Kinger was awake. That'd be nice huh? Someone to talk to. He groggily stands. Making his way through the empty circus halls. Kingers pillow fort somehow always moved. Atleast it seemed that way. Nothing ever wanted to stay in the same place.. what an inconvenience.

He looks around the darkened area. He couldn't make out much. Disappointing when you're looking for something. He felt like how he imagined a bat would in a pitch black cave, but... didn't bats have incredible eyesight?

His thought process was cut short as he tumbles over something. Luckily, its realitively soft! Ah, just what he was looking for. Kinger hardly ever left the pillow fortress, even in favor for his own room...

Actually, he doesn't think the looney bin even slept. Shaking the thought of he scoots aside the faux door. Crawling into the fort and looking around. Huh, it was surprisingly spacious in here. He'd always thought it'd be more cramped...

He's sure he used to come in here more often, but that was probably awhile aways from now. Now, where was the chess piece? He had to be in here somewhere! Ugh, curse his eyes for not adjusting..

"Jax?" The voice comes from behind. Catching him off guard as he quickly spins around. Facing the all too familar voice. His chest rises and falls a bit too fast, and he thanks the dark for concealing his panicked state.

"Ah! Kingy! Just the guy I was looking for..." His voice trails off as he leans on his elbows. Sighing and letting his ears droop before he tries to make out the kings figure. Unfortunately, it's much too dark to do so. He cant even make out a silhouette.

"Why are you up? Don't you know how late it is?" He is about to make a snappy remark about how Kinger wasnt asleep himself. The hypocrisy immediately leaving his mind as a hand is on his back. Another around his hip as he's slightly lifted.

"Wow there touchy much?" His voice comes out more shakey than he intentioned. His eyes darting down to where he felt the hands. He grunts as he's moved slightly.

... Kinger was laying him down. He tries to get up, but he's pressed back into the soft pillows that covered the floor. He tries to relax, but all his muscles tense up in worry. What was Kinger doing? His entire body was on high alert. Eyes trying to scan the darkness for the older man. Again, he couldn't make out anything but a blur of black.

"Jax you... are you shaking? One moment." His ears twitch. Listening for every little noise he could make out. The soft shifting of pillows. The restling of fabric. The clink of metal, then he feels warmth. His paws fidget at whatever had landed on chest and midsection. Was it a blanket? It felt softer than anything the circus had to offer. Also, oddly familiar?

"There, isn't that better?" Kinger speaks again. He sounds proud. Jax cant be bothered to figure out why. Simply cuddling into the familiar warmth. His eyes water a bit as he nuzzles his head into the fabric.

It smelt nice. The closest scent he thinks he could get to home. His eyes close and for a moment, he thinks he can manage sleep. Except...

"Kinger, I uh.. actually wanted to tell you something, but.. promise you'll forget it." There's silence. He hears no movement. No breathing even. Ah, perhaps Kinger had wondered off? Ugh, atleast that saved him the embarrassment of embarrassing himself.

Theres a hand on his head. His ears lower and his eyes droop. It cascades through his fur, causing his foot to offer light kicks. It felt comforting.. nice. He let's out a messy sigh. Leaning into the touch despite himself. He almost felt pathetic for looking so weak, but... it's not like anyone would see him like this.

"Whatever you need to say Jax, it'll stay safe with me." Kingers voice is soft as honey. The petting a devilsh sensation to get him to open up. He gulps. Letting himself relax once more before he speaks.

"I... wish I wasnt the way that I am." The petting stops. Jax sheepishly looks to where he thinks Kinger is. Had he upset him? He hears a soft shuffling, then his head is on the chess pieces lap. Surprisingly soft.. for a piece of wood that is.

The petting continues and his breathing evens out again. Kinger does not respond. Atleast not immediately. Jax finds it harder to keep his eyes open the more Kinger pets him. The darker everything becomes.. he's on the verge of slumber, and thats when Kinger finally speaks up.

"I know Jax. You'll feel better in the morning. Good night." His voice is so sincere. So soft. He almost isn't sure it actually belongs to Kinger. The thoughts all ooze out of his mind as quick as they come. The comfort overwhelming and all too gentle, diffrent from what Jax deems as something he deserves. Still... its welcome.

His body goes limp after a few moments. Breathing fully evening out and slowing. Kinger watches him rest. Adjusting the cape he'd tucked Jax into. It was one of his own, the one hed worn today. He was in nightwear after all, Jax could borrow it for now.. until he awoke.

The chess piece offers a soft kiss to the rabbits forhead. Holding his hand with a gentle fondness. Ah, this reminds him of... of Queenie.

Chapter Text

The morning comes slow. Jax hadn't noticed anything diffrent when he awoke. It was still dark. He could... sort of manage to see stuff now. Atleast the dark outline of the pillow fort he broke into last night. Kinger wasn't anywhere in sight. He'd probably left to go commute with the other no brains of the circus.

He stretched. Something falling down his chest. He looks down. Remembering he'd been tucked in the night prior by the king, his answers as to what are answered as he eyes the purple soft and fluffy fabric.

Oh? Oh. Oh my god. His face warms and he tugs at his ears. Not only had he snuggled the insane chess pieces robes, he thought they were COMFORTING! He shoves it off himself quickly. He was getting sweaty anyways. No need to drown himself in the fabric of a kings cloth.

He crawls out of the pillow fort. Trying not to be seen as he gives a quick look around. He stands up. Dusting himself off before stretching. Oo wee.. it might've been bigger on the inside, but he was still tall and lengthy. Laying in the fort all night surely was not good on his back.

His eyes wonder off. Where exactly was the fort right now? It doesn't look like any part of the circus he'd seen before. Oh boy, finding his way to the others would surely be a fun adventure.. maybe if he waits it out in Kingers fort Caine will snap him to whatever adventure they'd surely go on.

Hell, Kinger would eventually return. Then he could ask the guy to lead him to civilization... eh, but where's the fun in that? He heads off. It's... oddly empty. This part of the circus seeming underdeveloped. Figures Caine hadn't designed every little nook and cranny. Still, the particular area was hid well enough where it wasnt exactly a problem. Just distopian. More than usual for the circus.

He pauses, hearing a few voices. He hides behind a crate. Ears twitching as he listens in. Not looking to assess who was chatting. He had ears for a reason.. their voices were distinct enough he could probably piece it out.

"Are you sure this will work?" Zoobles voice. It's colder than anyone else's and as emotionless as ever! How fun. Huh, wonder what needed to work?

"Of course it will! Caine has a hard time saying no right?" Gangles voice. Ugh, so pitchy. News flash! You aren't an anime character.. so stop talking like that. Anyways, the subject line was hard to piece together. They didnt know he was listening! Just spill the beans already.

"I dont think this is right guys.. didnt you see how Jax reacted last time?" Ragatha. Oh and her false sympathy. However he pulled something from that conversation. His name. Now why would they be so casually mentioning him if he wasnt even there?

Ugh, typical of ladies and zoobles to talk smack, but geez. His ears twitch as he continues trying to listen in for any other voices. Hm. It sounds like only Gangle, Zooble, and Ragatha...

No Kinger, not Pomni. He looks over the crate. Ears back to try and make it a little less obvious he was there. They seem.. distracted enough. He gave a quick glance around, surely enough his suspensions were true. No Pomni, no Kinger. So where did they go...

Just as he's about to duck down and go search for them his ears are grabbed. He grunts as Ragatha picks him up like a sack of potatoes. Sure hes taller than her, he should probably use his size to his advantage.. but its kinda hard when your body is folding in on itself in discomfort.

"Were you spying?" Gangle and Zooble stand besides her. Both looking in distaste at the rabbit. Jeez, and he was just about to head out.

"Not really. Im looking for that old crazy guy.. what's his name?" Sarcasm etched from his voice. The doll let's him go. Letting him fall roughly to the floor. Pain of course shoots up his spine. Pain that he tries to soothe by rubbing his lower back with a groan.

"Ow, jeez Raggy, couldn't care to be a little more gentle? Here I was thinking you're the gentle one." He laughs, but theres no humor behind it. He glances up. Shrinking ever so slightly the more he stares at them. Dang, they looked.. really upset. His fur stands on edge.

"Go away Jax." Zooble finally says. All of them leaving the rabbit to his lonesome. He watches them go. Oh, how peachy. And he still didn't know where Pomni and Kinger were. He slowly stands. Not soon forgetting the fact hed been dropped. There's a slight limp to his walk and he cant help but frown.

Great. Today was gonna be a great day.

Chapter Text

Jax finally finds center stage, Kingers standing with Pomni. They're talking about something. Kinger is wrapped up in his robes. Likely a diffrent one then he'd let Jax rest in. It looked almost new. He bounds over to them, immediately putting on a playful mask as he wraps an arm around the both of them.

"Hey! If it isn't my two favorite pals! Kingy, how's it been?" Kinger doesnt face him. Pomni on the other hand gives him a small smile and wave. Nudging his arm from off her shoulder with a chuckle.

"Good morning to you too Jax! Caine is cooking up a new adventure.. said it was specially requested for you!" She does a little motion with her arms but cringes and closes up after that.

"Oh yeah! It sounded pretty... scary I think? ... what was I talking about?" The chess piece looks off before looking back towards Jax and yelping. "Oh Jax! When did you get here?"

Slowly, the rabbit pulls away. Holding his ears as they rung. Comedic swirls where in his eyes before he shook his head. A special adventure.. requested for him? Is that what the ladies and Zooble were talking about? Jeez, and here he was thinking they hated him!

He laughs while trying to soothe the sting of his ear. Looking at Kinger than Pomni who looks away for a moment.

"Jax, Kinger told me that-" The jester is interrupted, because of course Caine knows the exact time to burst into a room. Gangle, Zooble, and Ragatha are behind him. Laughing amongst themselves and looking at Jax. They seem to know something he doesn't quite catch onto, and it bugs him.

"Hello all my beautiful little caterpillars! Now upon special request this is a fun little team up mission! I was already.. GIVEN the teams, so let me just read these off." He grabs some reading glasses from what Jax can only assume is thin air... did he even need glasses? The thought is brushed away as hes teleported into a small box. Kingers in it too. He grumbles. Trying to get up, but Kinger pulls him back down. Making him rest against his chest.

"Jax I think this is part of the game." His voice is even. Steady as the crates darkness must've sobered him up a bit. He realizes Cane is still talking. Relaxing his muscles a bit so its not so cramped and listening in.

"This is a team building exercise. You will be teleported to a random adventure you've already done, you are to do it with your respective teammate. Whoever finishes the fastest WINS!" Huh, that seemed.. simple enough. He shifts again, and Kinger once more holds him down.

He looks up with any annoyed huff. Trying to figure out what may possibly going on inside Kings dense skull. Because whatever it was, it was starting to annoy him. He couldn't shift, couldn't get up, no he was always pushed back down, and he knows Kinger doesn't have enough brains to plain stuff like that out! Atleast.. he thought so.

"Could you let me-" suddenly there's movement. The crates moving. He falls further into Kinger. Practically laying on him. It wasnt exactly... uncomfortable. Just not idle. Especially when your ego was as high as his. Being coddled and cared for was something only a loser did, Jax was NO loser.

"Huh? Shh Jax! We're moving!" Ugh, of course. He shifts a bit. Trying to find a Crack to look out of. Even with Kinger holding him down he could likely shift just enough to make out where they were. He wonders if the others were put in crates too. I mean.. surely for this challenge they all were being treated equal..

Or, perhaps not. It was like, his worst enemies that requested it as a... gift. Not to mention he'd overheard them. This didn't sound like it'd be fair. Not by a long shot.

His ears twitch as he hears a Crack. Then the crate bounces. Oh.. they were dropped. Somewhere. His head was too dizzy to care where, he feels Kinger shifting under him. A hand resting comfortably on his hip. When did Kinger become so touchy? His face warms. He shifts in slight discomfort for just a moment.

Then the lid to their crate pops open. Oh, perfect! Freedom! He didnt waste a second in standing up. Stumbling out of the confined box. Ugh, his legs felt like jelly, they were only in there for a moment! Standing on his wobbly legs he examines the surroundings. Huh, it appears to be one of the more recent adventures.

He looks up at the sky. Stars, oh gorgeous as ever. The one he recalls pomni requested. He slowly walks across the soft luscious grass. It tickles his feet, the dew drops making his fur slightly damp as he falls onto his back. He recalls laying next to Pomni. Recalls the first time in a long that he'd considered someone a friend...

Kinger obstructs his View. Looking down at him curiously. He squints. Swatting at the chess piece with a frown as he sits up. Of course Kinger had to bother him. Ugh, and just once he was finally at peace.

"Sorry Jax, I didnt mean to alarm you, but I just read the brief of this pamphlet and apperently we got an all in one adventure!" Jax squints. Opening his mouth to speak before shutting it. Of course they had to fuck with him. Sometimes he really hated being so... well, hated.

"I dont care. Do whatever without me." He tries to lay down. Kinger doesnt let him. Grabbing his ears and tugging. It hurts. He shoves the hand away with a sharp hiss.

"What is your problem ol man? Cause I swear I'll-" He's interrupted by a hand over his mouth. Being pulled close to Kinger chest. He can feel his heart beating rapidly in his chest. His entire body goes aflame and he is all too keen on the closeness between him and the looney bin. He tries to relax. His foot kicking slightly. Even that was stopped. Kinger holding his thigh firmly.

His ears go back and he melts against the older man. His instincts were kicking it into high gear. Everything about this was so hot. Jax nearly moaned, even that was shushed by Kinger.

"Jax, me and Pomni went on an adventure right? Well, one of the set pieces was that angel." The hand on his thigh leaves. Jax takes a moment to realize he'd likely just embarrassed himself before actually PROCESSING the words Kinger said.

"An angel? Why's that matter?" He turns to Kinger, his eyes widen. Blood slowly draining from his face as he sees it. A disgusting and hideous creature. Right behind Kinger. He scrambles up, but Kinger grabs his waist, pulling him back and tucking him into his robes. His body still screams at him to run, but he's being held too securely, too safely..

"It's an angel Jax, it won't harm us, just relax. I've got you." Kingers voice does little to put his fried nerves at ease. However, the hand that pets his head does a bit of a better job. His eyes vaguely close as he relaxes. Ugh, what was wrong with him. He was not some domestic house pet.

"That uh... brief. What exactly ARE we supposed to do?" Kinger doesnt say anything for a while. Typical he supposes, but still unfortunate. He was hoping to hear more of his voice.

"Look for a way out, but you seemed.. distracted, so I think it's better we sit here for a moment. Just us, and the stars." He gestures to the sky. Sitting back a bit. Jax follows his eyes. It... really was beatiful. Hm. Maybe now was a good time to ask Kinger about his randomly touchy behavior.

His mouth opens before he shuts it. No... maybe not know. He didnt wanna ruin whatever... this was. He lays on Kinger. Eyes slowly shutting as he ends up dozing off.

Kinger watches him again. Slowly laying against the cold ground. The angel stares, but he knows it won't harm them. Not when they're doing exactly what the pamphlet said.

"Youre here to make sure this all goes smoothly right? ... I dont think they should force him to confess to anything. Especially some feelings he probably buried. Its not right yknow? You're an angel." He looks up, the entity doesnt respond. He'd expected that. He looks back at Jax and sighs. Staring up at the stars to ignore his own feelings.