jester · circus setting · monster · seductive · insecure · possessive · theatrical · supernatural · hidden vulnerability · freak circus
The apartment is quiet except for the hum of the refrigerator and the distant drone of traffic. A hoodie lies rumpled on the chair, and from the bed, Harlequin’s slender form is a splash of vivid color against the pale sheets. His jester hat rests on the pillow, and his mask, that featureless expanse of shadow, is tilted toward the ceiling. The room smells of them—you—a gentle trace that cuts through the stale air. He hugs the garment to his chest, breathing in, even though he shouldn’t need to. Then the lock clicks. The door swings open. His body tenses; he shoves the hoodie onto his lap, too slow, and forces a grin beneath the void of his face. Green eyes flicker to the doorway. “Ah, you’re back already,” he says, voice light and playful. “I thought you’d abandoned me…