Scarlet Jackson's Story

Amadeo crossed his arms as he returned to New Orleans. Why he was back he didn't know, maybe God was bringing him here. Maybe soon his life would be up. Though, that was a lie, for Amadeo Sombre would never die. He sold his soul to the Devil himself so he could live eternally with his circus. Walking out of his tent, he looked at the early morning mist and dew. The fog was eerie and dangerous. Almost tempting Amadeo to start a performance.

The many carnies he had recruited in his circus seemed to dwindle, but somehow the circus seemed to thrive. He sighed as his thoughts raced back to the young beautiful burlesque girl who was killed. She too tried leaving the circus, though once entered, you could never leave, that was of course, unless you wanted to die.

He grimaced thinking of her soft green eyes. Something so beautiful as her died in a world as cold as his. However tragic her accident may have been, he needed to move on with Cirque du Noir. He scoffed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Attention!" He called out to every Carnie passing by. "I have important rules the Circus must follow!" He raised his well tanned muscular hands, as his thick French accent resonated within the trees.

His dark brown eyes glanced at everyone waiting for them to stop and listen to him. Everyone knew Sombre hated rules, so there must have been some reason that he had these rules in place, and there was. To protect his family.

Alina looked up over toward where Sombre was standing, her eyes sparkling. She liked listening to him talk, his accent thick and French, and it reminded her of living at home, where everyone spoke with a slightly different accent. There was a way that he spoke, also, that captivated the young girl. She had never thought she'd be one for the head-over-heals thing, and, though his looks didn't captivate her at all, there was that thing with his voice that almost made her forget what he looked like. Not like Sombre was unattractive, just not her type.
Alina sighed, shaking her head from these thoughts. She couldn't think like this, not about her boss. It wasn't like she actually wanted any of these thoughts to go anywhere, as a matter of fact she didn't want to at all...but she couldn't help them. Alina shrugged, turning away from her elephants, one had just had a baby, and walked toward Sombre through the fog and mist.
She thought about how she'd come here, actually more why than how. She'd come to spite her parents and fallen in love with the lifestyle. Yes, she should probably let them know she isn't dead, but honestly, they probably didn't care. Shrugging her slim shoulders, she had the smallest and youngest elephant follow her. "What's new, bossman?" She asked with a bright smile, stroking the trunk of her elephant follower.

---

Gackt looked like shit, manly because it was a cold morning and they had just returned to New Orleans. The mist and dew hand his hair wet, but the cold of the morning hard it frozen in place, his skin had gotten even more paled then normal and his lips were now a gray-ash blue color yet some pink showed. Ice crystals hung from his stands of hair and drops of water was on his face. He didn't return to his tent that night, he set out to look around to see his distends that he would go, as always he had to do this. This morning didn't go to well for him with the turn of the cold morning and misty dew.

When he returned he saw Amadeo walking out of his tent, he would have said hello if it wasn't for him feeling so cold he couldn't use his voice, not to mention his body felt frozen and stiff.

"Attention!" Amadeo called out to every Carnie passing by. "I have important rules the Circus must follow!" His raised hand so everyone could see him.

`Rules? Why would he need them?` Gackt was confused beyond all reason as he thought to himself. He build the strength to touch his cold lips with his finger tips and for a long time Gackt froze in place staring off into space. He felt an even colder chill run down his body as his mind thought of reasons why Amadeo would think of setting rules. All he could think was how terrible this probably was and what he wanted more then heat was to leave this place.

They'd stopped in New Orleans, and Zach was excited. His parents had told him he had relatives in Louisiana, and his grandparents had gone there to visit before. The fog was coming in, some thought it was cold. Zach had been in worse, so he didn't think about it. Then again, he's gotten pneumonia before, blowing off the temperature.

Some had left their tents, but others had never entered them to begin with. He was having a hard time with the temperature. "Fait chaud?" He knew at least Madeleina and Amadeo would get it, if Madeleina was up. "Ayuh, wicked warm out this mornin' ain't it?" He continued on towards Amadeo, he had other plans of what to do. "Attention! I have important rules the Circus must follow!" "And what'd that be?" It probably wasn't too good for Zachary, but his position had him giving authority a bit of a hard time. He loved giving everyone at the circus trouble, but he's honest when he tells them it's a sign of affection.

Alina was by Amadeo, with a small elephant, petting it's trunk. He never knew how to pronounce her name, and the way he talked would probably make it near impossible. "What's new, bossman?" Zachary laughed, it reminded him of Iyaric for some reason. He put an accent briefly, not thinking if anyone would be mad. "Yea, what be movin' on gwaan, bossman?"


After poking a bit of fun with them both, he stood by Amadeo. He had moved on from the petty joke, searching for another one to make. It was almost an addiction for him. "Ey, they're all still sleepin'." With a sigh, he briefly paused. "See, you're doin it wrong. What're you awl standin' fah? Get ova heyah!" He doubted that anyone would listen to him, he still had no clue who liked him and who hated him. But, if they heard him and they liked him, they'd come out to see him. If they hated him, they'd come out to see him screw up. Win a win He wasn't going to worry whether the rest of them came, he was more worried if Amadeo would accept what he'd just done.

(OOC: What's that at the bottom of that picture? Just Jared? "Well, let me tell ya, I'd be pretty happy if I had her all to myself." Hey, maybe that's my birthday present! ;) )

Samus was sitting under his hammock with Tigger, smiling happily as he watched everyone bustling about. He hugged Tigger tightly and stood up, the mist and fog not dampening his mood at all. He grinned cheerfully and walked towards the others, wishing a happy good morning to everyone. He looked up at the sky, and closed his eyes. He stuck out his tongue, catching some of the drizzle on his tongue. Tigger did so as well, but got a drop in his eye on accident instead, and flinched. Samus laughed at his expression as Tigger shook himself, and hugged his best friend.

Samus had been thinking lately about the fire that had forced them to move, and had been trying not to worry about it. It had been a close call for him just like the last time he'd been in a fire, and it had scared him. He hated being scared, so he'd kept himself busy by cheering up some children standing by by letting them hug Tigger. He always cheered up when he made others happy. He smiled, shook it off mentally and looked towards Amadeo, and tilted his head like a playful puppy. "Rules? But you hate rules!" He was puzzled, but kept a wide grin on his face, his breath showing in the cold air like a dragon's smoke.

((You didn't see a thing....*does thing with the hands* sorry though, it double posted, ignore this))

Aaban had slept good that first night in New Orleans. He's heard stories of the New Orleans and there parties and food. Aaban was hoping to experience it some, though he doubt he would. He rather spend him time in his orangeish-brown tent intoxicating himself then out and about people that will judge his looks.

Ignoring these thoughts, Aaban went back to his intoxication. He had his sage burning as he sat on a purple and golden stitched pillow in the middle of his tent. The sage a fog of white smoke fill the tent as he let it consume him. Putting him in a trance of sorts as he meditated. The smoke filling his lunges through his nose and leaving through his mouth. In, out. He breathed, completely enjoying his peace. That was around the time he heard voices. It sounded like Amadeo wanting to give rules? Nahīṁ, vaha Amadeo nahīṁ kiyā jā sakatā.(1) Aaban thought, going back to his meditation. Then he heard more voices and decided he might as well check it out.

Standing up from his pillow, he slowly made his way to the front of his tent, his eyes holding a look of intrigued wonder. Not for him though, for whom ever shall make eye contact Indian hazel eyes contrasted with his tanned skin. He slowly but wonderfully opened the flaps of his tent, the sage smoke flowing out as he stepped out of the tent. The cold didn't even faze him as he made his way to stand in front of Amadeo, his arms crossed in his signature genie pose with his brow slightly frowned and confusion hinted on his face.

---

Tanslations

(1) Nahīṁ, vaha Amadeo nahīṁ kiyā jā sakatā. - No, that can't be Amadeo.

Madeleina Jenette Auzenne was sat quietly within the warm confines of her tent, thinking, and braiding strips of leather together to create a new whip. She had chosen a ribbon of crimson to add to the weaving, and she was half done, and pleased with her work. When she used it, it would flash red in the subtle half light of the ring, and the thought pleased her. It was repetitive, and almost dull, but she found the monotonous creation of the whip to be somewhat therapeutic. So...they were back in New Orleans. Of course, she had been with Amadeo when the circus was last here, but she remembered it as being a long, long time ago. She remembered the parties, and the food, and the fine wine most of all, and she knew it was not quite a bad thing that their boss had taken them here again. Madeleina shifted a little in her seat. It was little more than a camping chair, but she had swathed it in furs, so she sat enthroned in it like a queen. The lion that curled around her feet like any domestic house cat also generated a lot of heat, which was more than pleasant due to the frigid weather outside. For a moment, she pause in her work and looked from the window.

She had four lions - two males and two females - however one of the females was heavily pregnant. Madeleina had purposefully allowed this, as she had sadly admitted to herself that Leeu, her eldest female lion, wouldn't be able to perform her routine well for much longer. It meant that her two males, Maliki and Hodari, would have to take up the slack. Malikia, her queen, was the pregnant female, and was the big cat that she currently had curled around her feet. With a fond smile, Madeleina reached down to run a hand through the animals fur. Malikia would give birth to a strong cub, brave and playful, just like its parents. She sighed contentedly, and reached over to the side table next to her to have a sip of the warmed red wine beside her. Life was good. It was then that Madeleina's green hues were drawn to a bit of a commotion outside. She saw her boss, Amadeo, and rose a brow. His voice traveled far, but the canvas of her tent muffled the sound of his message. And then, slowly, she saw other carnies approaching.

There was Alina, her eyes bright and wide and full of puppy dog hope as she stared up at Amadeo. She had always been fond of that girl. She appreciated her ability to take things lightly, and that was important around here. And then, Madeleina saw Gackt. The snakeman was young, but somehow Madeleina felt that he always knew more than he said. She liked that in a person. And with a small smile, she saw how poorly he coped in the cold weather. He stood, stock still, as though unable to move. With an amused sigh, Madeleina stood and donned a thick fur coat to keep herself warm, and drew the hood up. Picking up a blanket for Gackt, her lion then lifted her head curiously.

"Hush, my queen. I'll be back soon. Stay here, where it's warm"

Madeleina's softly murmured words were reassurance to the cat, who looked at her with trusting eyes before retreating to a far corner of the tent, and curling up to get some good, proper sleep. And then, lifting the flap of the tent, Madeleina walked out to see what all the fuss was about. She saw others were emerging too - Aaban, Zach, Samus - but moved to Gackt. She offered him a quick grin as she tucked her blanket about his shoulders. "Come on, Gackt, you know better than to just stand in the cold," She told him in her thick, French accent. Madeleina patted his shoulder a couple of times, waited for him to warm up, and then moved to stand by Armadeo.

She heard the mutters of 'rules' and felt a thrill of something that might have been fear. So, Amadeo was laying some rules down. Their situation must be worse than she thought. Madeleina moved to stand at Amadeo's shoulder, and placed a gloved hand against his arm. She spoke in a voice that was only for him, trusting that she knew the man well, as one of the carnies that had been with him the longest. "Amadeo, darling...What's going on?" The King of Carnies was tense, and she stood by him as she waited for something to happen.

Gackt snapped out of his frozen state the moment he felt something go onto his shoulders. He blinked, but didn't move his hand from his lips. His breath never showed, his body was cold from the inside out.

"It changed all of a sudden. I dressed warm, but I didn't expect the mist with it." His words were careful as he spoke slowly, he slowly glanced at Madeleina's eyes, and nowhere else. The pupil in his eyes shifted into a snake's eyes pupil. His eye color also shifted around with it.

He was very good with eye contact, though he hardly speaks much, he always shows he is paying attention, just by his eyes. Gackt was also good at sensing peoples auroras. He read it like an open book.

Gacht's lips parted as Madeleina asked Amadeo what was going on "Amadeo, darling...What's going on?"

And Gacht looked back at Amadeo as if he already could read him. The first words that Gackt spoke today and it was through frozen lips, he could taste the mist on his tongue and it tasted of old woods in his opinion anyways.

`If the curse doesn't kill me someday, then the cold will.` He thought to himself as he moved his hand from his lip and into his cotton feel jacket. It wasn't enough though. Any normal human would be just fine with a sweater, but not him, he felt like it was 30 below out. His hair started to turn white and more ice was covering it slowly. If it's this cold it means winter is coming close. Which means he will be at his weakest and will sleep ALOT and no matter what anyone does, you can't wake him or get him to do anything.

Rules? "You mean besides having fun?" he asked with a smile, shuffling cards between his hands. The other performers around him were also asking questions, wondering what was going on, what he meant by rules. Zach was goofing around, as usual. He was a clown, though. Perfect excuse. He grinned widely at the accent.

Peter himself wasn't a huge fan of rules, but he did respect them. There were, after all, some rules to illusions. Things you had to follow. Misdirection, sleight of hand, there were rules and guidelines for those that if you didn't follow, wouldn't make the trick work.

Growing somewhat impatient after minutes went by, he said loudly, "Yo, yo, yo! Just tell us already! I got things to do!" Not that that was entirely true....or entirely untrue.... "We can just tell the people who ain't here what the new rules are."

---

Fire. The very mention of the element sprung to mind a destructive force, a blistering heat, that consumes whatever stands in it’s path. Or, perhaps to some, the image of warmth and wary caution that filled one’s being as they sat around a campfire, charring marshmallows with ash. But to Alodia Quinn, a fire dancer, the dangerous substance was her whole life, her friend.. her profession. It relaxed and comforted her, not making her fearful or dreadful.. unlike most other humans. Even now as she sat amongst the silken pillows scattered about on the tent floor, even now as she began to strike a match against the grated side of the cardboard container, even now as she watched the birth of a new flame; fear did not flicker within her core. On the contrary, Alodia almost felt exalted at the hypnotizing sight of wavering orange. Almost as if she didn’t want to harm the small fire, a tapered finger gently reached up to stroke the top of the struggling light. Like a newborn kit lapping at it’s mother’s fur, the growing flame lightly licked at the pad of Alodia’s finger, not a trace of pain making it’s presence known. However, just as she was about to toy with the fire a bit more, the Ring Master’s voice rang out sharply. "Attention!" I have important rules the Circus must follow!". Giving a small tch of annoyance, the fire dancer raised the match up to her mouth before closing her lips around the small flame. Feeling it extinguish completely, Alodia quickly pocketed the box of matches and made her way through the tent flap.

---

It was cold, there wasn’t a doubt about that. Yet, despite the outfit the fire-dancer wore, there wasn’t even the slightest sign of a tremble, of a shiver or a shudder. Instead, Alodia merely crossed her arms before sending a glance around at the gathered group of the carnies. A twinge inside of her felt annoyed at being interrupted, another twinge in her felt pity for some of the shivering members (namely Gackt), and yet, perhaps the most peculiar twinge in her, felt out-of-place. Giving an internal sigh, the ex-model unconsciously shuffled towards the outer edges of the circle to put distance between herself and the other carnies.

Declan was in a complete circle, his face toward the ground in front of his tent and his hands wrapped around his ankles from behind, relishing the feeling of his muscles stretching. Out of almost nowhere, Amadeo announced,"Attention! I have important rules the Circus must follow!" Declan furrowed his thick, dark eyebrows and unbent himself at Amadeo's talk of rules. In the short time he had been with the circus, he had heard very minimal talk of rules, but, as far as he could tell, the ringmaster always had a reason for the things he did. His heartbeat slowed from its exercise as he walked closer to where Amadeo was standing. Starting to feel the cold and wet nipping at the bare skin of his chest, he folded his arms over it in a half-assed attempt to keep warm.

Declan looked around, watching the reactions of the other carnies in order to respond appropriately. Unable to reach a generally consuming action, he silently turned his attention to the man addressing them.

Scarlet had gotten up early, before it was misty out and instead but extremely dewy. This morning had been her first attempt at waking up early, and she had decided on running for the morning. It wasn't like she thought it was necessary to wake up early, but she was sick of sleeping through important things. Scarlet had been using the set of tents as a track of sorts, and for the past hour, she'd been running laps around their whole set up. At the end of the hour, panting and sweating, she sat down against a random tent to take a quick break. She was freezing, only wearing a sports bra and leggings, and there was hardly anyone awake.

Shivering, she pulled her legs up under her chin, linking her hands around the front, and closing her eyes, trying to conserve heat.

It wasn't until she was waking up that she had realized she was asleep. It wasn't the sound of Amadeo's voice that woke her up, actually the sound of Declan getting up. It turned out she was asleep against his tent, although she wasn't aware of it before hand. She heard the end of what Amadeo said, and seemed to be the only one shocked that there were rules. But she knew there were, and always had been, and having started the circus as a child, it was no shock to her. At all.

Scarlet put her legs out straight in front of her, tilting her back to the side to crack it, then doing the same to her legs and feet. She stood up slowly, popping her arm out of the socket, then putting it back in while listening to everyone's reactions. Walking closer to the group, she observed everyone, coming to a stop next to Declan, training her eyes back on Amadeo.

Amadeo grimaced as more and more people started coming out of their tents. Then there was Chucklenuts the clown. He gave the younger boy a sharp glance before speaking slighty through his teeth. "Mind your place Clown." It wasn't to insult or even sound harsh, the tone just made it clear that the Clown had clearly annoyed Amadeo. Something he didn't like. He was already annoyed with having these lame rules. Everyone had questions about Amadeo's rules. Some seemed suprised, some annoyed, and some just seemed like they knew it was coming.

His hazel eyes caught Alina and he smiled, and nodded his head. He would have to speak to the members personally it seemed. Made sure everyone was allright, and no one was backing out. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes, opening his mouth he started to speak the rules when he felt one of his older friends hand on his shoulder. Her accent French, suited her better than him, so he thought. A smirk appeared on his lips as he opened his eyes. Turning to her he'd speak in his native tongue. "Nous ne sommes pas aussi sûr que vous pouvez penser. Il ya des problèmes autour, les flics, ils n'oublient pas. Comme je n'oublie pas. Nouvelle-Orléans est aussi proche de la maison que je peux être, car je suis interdit de vivre en France plus, c'est pourquoi nous revenons. Home est quelque chose me manque beaucoup. Je veux que nous soyons sûrs au sein de cette ville." He'd turn back to the crowd before muttering under his breath to Madeleina, "Comment est-ce lionne enceinte de la vôtre?" Though her answers would have to come later, as bowed to the crowd once more. He felt a hint of guilt for the snake charmer, but this was important.

"Rules are a must in this city.
1.) Do not socialize with the people around here.
2.) Report all suspicious activity to me.
3.) Do not leave circus grounds unless you have permission by me.
4.) Do NOT talk to cops or reporters. "

He bowed his head once more and nodded everyone off. "That is all, you may return to your activities of the day. We preform tomorrow."

He gave a small yawn, the early morning made him a tad tired, but he must attend to his duties as the Master of the Ring. He would look over at the young Alina and wave her over. "Might I be able to spare a minute of your eternal life?" He asked almost in a joking manner.

---

---

Translations:
We are not as safe as you may think. There is trouble around, the cops, they do not forget. As do I not forget. New Orleans is as close to home as I can be, for I am forbidden to live in France anymore, it is why we come back. Home is something I miss dearly. I want us to be safe among this city.

How is that pregnant lioness of yours?

Biting her lip, Scarlet listened to the chatter of everyone, Zach's comment earning a smile from her. She honestly didn't know him well, but she didn't have anything negative about him. Yeah, he joked around a lot, but if you were stuck in the same body forever, you'd want a little humor too.

Hearing Amadeo start to speak, she focused her attention in on him. What he said was the things she had assumed he would. Literally exactly what she thought he would say. She nodded her head, flashbacks of all the press they'd gotten attacking her brain, so she closed her eyes for a second to let it dissolve.

Walking a few steps away, she stuck her arms out in front of her, cranking her neck to the side to crack it, then leaning forward onto her hands, pushing into a back bend. She moved her legs and arms closer, before taking her hands off the ground, now bent down at the waist with her head next to her knees. Standing up, she shrugged more kinks out of her back,turning her upper body to the side while keeping her feet in place to stretch. Turned around, she could see the clown boy walking over. This is sure to be fun, she thought, smiling inwardly.

Pulling herself back into a normal position, she awaited his jokes that she knew would come, and when they did, she couldn't help but laugh. He was pretty funny, she gave him that. "Flips are nothing. If that's all we could do, think we'd be in the circus?" She cooed, her dimple appearing as a smile touched at her emotions.

Amadeo took note of everyone who seemed upset, and some who had seemed pleased. Some understood that the rules were there to protect them, others were confused by them. This was an interesting family he had, and he was glad that he had them. That was when he heard Zachary's smart remarks to his rules. Turning around for just a moment he narrowed his eyes, and laied them upon the clown.

"You should not taunt the Ringmaster Chucklenuts." He growled before looking at Scarlet. He nodded to her and then pointed to the clown. "Make sure he gets in my tent and stays there... seems I need to speak with the clown about his job." He turned on his heel and continued walking away with Miss Alina.

"Are you happy within the circus?" He motioned around sadly at the dead circus that would come to life tomorrow evening. Looking back at her and the little elephant he chuckled and petted the top of its head. "Beautiful Elephants you have, are you happy with them, and they happy with you?" He'd say continuing walking with her.

With all his years he had lived he had learned countless amounts of languages. A smirk appeared on his lips as he said the last thing he wanted to."Tu es très belle, même dans ce temps maussade." French was always the language of love to Amadeo, and he enjoyed speaking it, but a dark smile appeared on his lips as he gently grabbed her hand and kissed it. "Now I must go and check on our pregnant lioness...thank you for your time Madame."

Amadeo would bow gracefully checking off a few things he had done. The rules, Converse with the Elephant Trainer, Made sure Zachary was going to his tent...

He thought a bit more, He should speak to Aaban, Gackt, check on the lioness and the tigers, make sure the gates were sealed for the night, make sure everything was prepared. Seeming a bit frustrated, he ranted under his breath a bit faster than normal, since he was within earshot of Alina. "Tant de choses à faire, si peu de temps! On pourrait penser que j'aurais cette baisse déjà des années, j'ai été chef d'orchestre de cirque. Je dois m'assurer que mes gens sont heureux et en sécurité, je dois m'assurer que les animaux sont bien et en bonne santé, je dois m'assurer que tout est prêt pour demain. Parfois je souhaite que je pourrais prendre sa retraite, mais je ne peux pas! Le Cirque du noir est ma damnation éternelle! J'ai besoin d'aide. Dieu s'il vous plaît, aider le méchant qui a vendu son âme pour vivre éternellement!" Running his fingers through his hair he seemed a bit overwhelmed. But this was how Amadeo always looked before an opening of the circus. Did he ever say anything like that? Of course not.

Turning back to Alina he smiled and bowed once more. "If you need me, you know where you can find me." He purred softly, turning on his heels, it was time to check on the circus animals, then come the people. For some reason, Amadeo found animals a lot more calming than people the night before the circus.

---

You look very beautiful, even in this dreary weather.


So much to do, so little time! You would think I would have this down already for the years I've been Ringmaster of the circus. I must make sure my people are happy, and safe, I have to make sure the animals are good and healthy, I have to make sure everything is ready for tomorrow. Sometimes I wish I could retire, but I cannot! The Circus of the Black is my eternal damnation! I need help. God please, help the wicked man who sold his soul to live eternally.



(hope you guys are enjoying the circus so far :) )

Zachary returned a smile Scarlet's way. It made him happy to know he made her laugh. In his mind, if you could make someone laugh, you had an ally. As he made his way to her, he saw her stand, but then bend backwards, and do something with her knees. He piecing together things to joke about. Chiropractors..rubber...boxes...yoga.. He wouldn't mention the view of her body stretched out, or what he thought about that. He'd wanted a laugh, not a slap.

When he was near she went back to normal. Zachary sighed, "Oh phew, worried you were gonna get stuck like that. That'd be one heck of a puzzle theyah, I tell ya that." He would of continued, but her smile stopped him in his tracks. It was slight nervousness, but he did control himself. "Flips are nothing. If that's all we could do, think we'd be in the circus?" "I dunno, I just crack jokes and eat food, they keep me." He never had good timing, as he spoke right as Amadeo was passing. "You should not taunt the Ringmaster Chucklenuts." "What? Don't know what ye're talkin' about." The clown could never hold a poker face, and he used it to his advantage, giving a smirk. He was soon changed his attention, speaking to Scarlet. "Make sure he gets in my tent and stays there... seems I need to speak with the clown about his job."

He waited until the Ringmaster was gone before talking to Scarlet again. "I don't have to, do I?" He'd noticed that she was only in a sports bra and leggings when she was bending backwards, but now he could do something about it. "Ah you cold in that? I got a jacket.." He'd began to further unzip his blue hoodie. The only reason he brought it is because he was nagged about it. Ever since getting pneumonia, he had tried to be a bit more vigilant about it. He'd rather offer his coat, because if he suggested cuddling up and sharing it, it just wouldn't sound too good.

Scarlet's eyes traced the mans body, looking him over in the way she tended to look at everything; not in a judging, harsh way, but not in the kindest way either. It wasn't like she meant to, but her eyes were slightly piercing. She opened her mouth, about to reply, when non other than the ring master himself came and spoke with them. She already knew Zach was one who got in trouble often, but most of the time it wasn't so serious. She didn't get it. If you wanted a clown, you had to accept both the good and bad parts- though she didn't think constant jokes were too bad.

Nodding to Amadeo, she she returned his nod, though as he turned, she turned and looked at Zach. How was it that he always managed to get in trouble? She didn't get it.

As Scarlet opened her mouth to speak, she paused as Zach spoke instead. She smirked, about to reply again when he commented on on her outfit. Looking herself over, she had completely forgotten she was just standing there in a sports bra and leggings, and though she knew she wasn't necessarily fat, she grew uncomfortable as she realized how many people were around.

Hearing his offer, she bit her lip. It wasn't a big deal, obviously, but she wasn't big on borrowing things from people. That often meant you had a debt to pay back. But then again, it was cold, and Zach may be the type of person who thought that saying no to an offer was horribly rude. She nodded, a small smile fitting her face for a brief second before it went to it's normal blank face. "Thanks," she said, a shiver coming at the perfect time.

Standing in front of Scarlet, Zach thought he saw her checking him out, but of course he wouldn't call her out on it. She looked surprised to see the ringmaster, but Zach had pretty much expected him to come. He got in trouble frequently, though it was confusing seeing as it was just part of his job.

When he mentioned her outfit, she took notice of what she was wearing. He saw that it went through her head, and her mind suddenly changed with the crowd. She bit her lip, and it got to Zach. He thought it was cute. She was thinking about it, that was all that he knew. There was a brief smile on her face, but he caught it none the less. "Thanks," a shiver soon coming to her. With her answer, he quickly unzipped the rest of his hoodie. Grabbing near the top of the sleeves, he draped it over her shoulders. She could put her arms in if she wanted to, or just keep it as is. Zach didn't want to keep his hands there too long, she might not want it. "Theyah.. least those creeps will stop starin' at ya." Though, he didn't mind the vie, he'd much rather have it alone in a tent. Zach wouldn't say that out loud of course, and besides, she probably didn't want everyone looking at her. He'd already noticed she stayed in the back, there was probably a reason for it.

Peter pursed his lips a bit, listening to the French. Did Amadeo forget that he also knew French? It seemed he was trying to have an exclusive conversation, but Peter could understand all of it. He wasn't the biggest fan of the rules, either. He liked talking to people. Especially people who didn't live 24/7 with him (they were easier to mess with. He could literally pretend to be anyone with them).

He watched the interaction going on between Zach and Scarlet before rolling his eyes. Grinning, he trotted over to the acrobat, shuffling cards between his hands. "What's this I see here?" he asked, leaning over her and peering into her ear. With a widening smile, he snapped his fingers, easily slipping a card between his fingers in a motion that made it seem like it had impossibly appeared.

"Why, the Queen of Hearts!" he exclaimed, and then cheekily wondered out loud, "I wonder where her King might be?"