Everything would have been better, Madoc thought as he held back a jaw-cracking yawn, if he'd actually adjusted to Cirque du Monstre's nocturnal schedule. It had been- what, nine year? Yeah, that sounded right- nine years since he'd arrived at the circus as a freaked out teenager, flames sparking from his fingertips like sparklers, and in that time he'd never quite gotten used to the inverse schedule like the rest of the circus members. Then again, the rest of the circus members didn't have to interact with people who had normal schedules and would frown upon him, say, breaking into the nearest grocery store for a week's supply of groceries(and then, of course, breaking in every subsequent night to get milk because you can't just leave milk laying around and expect it to not go bad). That had been the case today with Madoc running around the mundane little town nearby running errands, stocking up on medical supplies, and pretending that he didn't notice the little-old-lady cashier's concerned looks("That's an awful lot of bandages, dearie… Is everything alright at home?"). It was tedious, but that was Madoc's job on a good day- tedious. It was really too bad that he didn't have tedious, good days more often.

He was one of the few people these days that even caught a glimpse of the sun high in the sky, a foreign star meant only for sunrises and the occasional sunset when they woke up early to the other members of Cirque du Monstre. He wouldn't miss it for the world, but it did leave him with even worse hours than usual, filling out paperwork and making calls during the day and then fussing over the rest of the circus by night, effectively switching from manager to doctor unless a crisis called for him to shift positions against his schedule.

He stopped where he stood for just a moment, lingering outside the food tent with the more than welcoming scent of cooking food warming the chilly night air, to take off his purple-tinted glasses, wiping off the lenses with the hem of his shirt before putting them back in place. They may be a motley crew- which was putting it nicely- filled with freaks and "normals"(i.e. anyone who he didn't have a medical file the size of a dictionary on) that ranged from a dullahan to the white-haired bane of Madoc's very existence, but red eyes were red eyes and he'd rather not frighten the more delicate members of the circus. Then, with a practiced gesture he pulled one of his homemade "cigarettes" from a case inside his pocket and it sparked to life with a tap of his index finger, the smell of warm cinnamon filling the air as it burned.

The food tent was nearly empty when he arrived, sweeping the entrance flap out of the way. He grabbed his own plate, filling it with freshly bought fruit and toast slathered liberally with strawberry jam, and fully intended to go back to his own room to sleep until he spotted Fraener sitting by himself, glaring at his plate like it had personally insulted him. He was dressed in his usual showy garb- performer types, Madoc mentally scoffed- and with the sullen expression on his face seemed more childish than normal (which was incredibly difficult).

Well, it wasn't like Madoc had any expectations of having a good day, and it was better that he have to take the brunt of the little shit's mood than anyone else less equipped to deal with his charming personality.

"So..." He said, sliding into a seat across from the moody snake tamer, bringing with him the scent of warm cinnamon. His eyes were on the claws beating a tattoo into the wooden table and the plate of untouched food rather than the younger man's face. "Not having a good day, I take it?" His tone was blasé if only because he knew what he was about to subject himself to. It was for the good of the circus.

"Hushabye, Wolf, Hushabye
Don't you dare tell a lie... Okami's nose wrinkled in the dark of his tent, his eyelids fluttered with a raged expression of pure pain and there was no mother there to save him. A growl escaped parted lips, his balled together in fists at his side. The purple haired male was weary and exhausted with a sheen of cold sweat on his brow, tension written in wrinkles on his face deeply etched. This was a nightmare, but he's had nightmares every night. Why was this one any different?

"You did this... You did this!" that feminine voice he knew so well in his heart screeched inside of his head, everything fell into the pit of his stomach with a lurch heavy enought to send Okami bolting upright in his bed. Panting, gasping for air to see if he still lived in the shadows of night, to see if his flesh was indeed still his to own for now. Yes, Okami was alive, but he didn't live. Okami barely even survived in this hell called reality, but he deserved this hell. Hair splashed in indigo shades of purple and darker hues of deep blue from the shadows and faintest of lights of the circus tents gave shape to the fine details that made him. He wore no shirt in his bed, the large black skull tattoo loomed on his back like the death that the acrobat laughed at each time he performed. Someday...

Someday, Okami would accept death but for now he'd laugh at its feeble attempts to claim him. Hell is not ready for a wolf like him. No one was, and likewise did he trust no one, like the large and monstrous shaped X scar that had sliced his back open as a child. That day, the Wolf learned to trust no man or woman but those who proved to be worthy of it. Damp Crimson and gold comforter was tossed to the ground, pale feet found their way to rest on the decorated carpet rug but the moment feet met ground, he was silent and still once again. Another night...another chance for death to capture him and end his misery. Today, Okami wore for sleep clothes the black and gold trousers he had never taken off from last nights show. He had been far too tired to bother changing and sleep was a mercy he granted himself. Maybe illness was coming, or perhaps it was the lack of food he had eaten was the reason for exhaustion. Yes, the Wolf only ate when no one was around or if he could find a place to be alone.

Did Okami have friends? No. He had aquaintances. For over twenty years he had been in the circus, having seen the previous ringmaster leave and the new come. He had seen members die, come and go. A wolf was not meant to be captured and chained, but here he was-having been born in captivity when his pregnant mother had runaway to the circus when she was his age. Her death was his fault, and the cause of his nightmares. A sigh, and he banishes this thought from his head. There's the sound of chattering outside the tent and it's obvious what it is. The food tent was close to his quarters, and the practice tent was next to that and the show-ring.

Barefoot and bare chested, Okami got up, stretched and winced at the pang of stings that came with pulling on the scar tissue. Another sigh and he grabs the black cord and ties his long purple hair into the ponytail that was basically him. There was no need for more than a simple black vest to wear or shoes. Most of his show clothing was in the practice big top tent with the makeup girls. A few times a week, clothing was washed by them. So off does the Wolf go to the practice big top, ignoring the chatter and sudden whispers as he passes. Nearly everyone wondered about him and his silent ways, but Okami, named after a Wolf Demon never bothered with them.

Once inside the lively, bright and airy big top tent, there is that familiar sigh of relief and joy that he's practically home now. Ah, yes... Home, delightful, tall, mysterious, crazy, paranoia, dangerous home. Who didn't love a good circus show? There is a rare chuckle that graces his feature but he soon realizes he's not alone when the sound of heavy thumping on wood caught his attention. Purple eyes found the stranger but what he wasn't prepared for was the blood. The man was practically oozing it from every pore on face, arm, leg and hand. He had heard rumors of this guy... Spade, was it? They never performed together, but his freak reputation had proceeded him in the show.

So, here our dear and sad Wolf goes, closer to the bloodied Spade, standing right to the left and behind him with a calculating and close gaze that watched every movement of the mans dangerous...'Practice'. Was it even practice? It seemed more a masochistic display than anything, but it was nothing that Okami needed to worry about.

"I hate cinnamon." Fraener complained, loud enough for anyone that cared to be listening to hear. It was his very first thought when he had noticed Madoc walk in, and he just simply was not one to hold his tongue. His tapping grew slightly louder, the tension in his shoulders increasing. He didn't know if it was because he was ready to spring, waiting for Madoc to make some comment that Frae could reply nastily to, or if it was because he just wasn't in the mood for it right then. More like than not it was the first, because when was he not in the mood to insult others? A good insult could make his day. Actually, perhaps a fight with their resident doctor could bring up his mood...

Fraener waits until the doctor is done speaking before charmingly greeting him, "Hello Gwynivere", with sarcasm just dripping from his words. His words sound a little funny since his fangs are still out, but he can't get them to retract so he's dealing with it. "I see there's no 'hi, how are you Frae?', just straight to pointing out that's something is wrong." The younger boy snorts, looking a bit to the side and raising his nose to the doctor, living up to his 'Royal Little Shit' nickname. Apparently because he dressed properly and was better than everyone else that made him arrogant. "Don't you know that the worst way to comfort someone is to imply they look like something is wrong, bringing a fresh wave of shittiness whilst they remember it?" The little snake narrowed his eyes and bared his fangs. Madoc and he had a odd relationship to say the very least. Fraener used Madoc as his own personal heater when he got to be too cold, and... well Frae didn't actually do much for Madoc, but who actually expected anything from Fraener in the first place?

"You're an idiot, Maddy." His claws suddenly stop tapping, as if he's only just now become aware that he was even doing it in the first place. Though the black nails do not retract and he moves them nonchalantly to his lap, not wanting to give anyone the idea he wasn't in control of his abilities. "Some animal got into the snake tent last night," he finally divulges, knowing that Madoc would be around eventually anyways to check on the eggs. "It took four of the unhatched eggs." Frae shrugs, masking his anger and sadness about it. The snakes were his family, he had a right to be upset about it, but that didn't mean he was going to let other people see that. "And it's fucking freezing."

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Spade really wasn't having luck with this juggling thing. Usually he picked things up quickly, not having to put much effort into it, but this was proving difficult. He would have been feeling extremely frustrated if he felt things, at least this is what he thinks. From watching humans he has learned that they get easily frustrated when something becomes difficult, or at least not immediately resolved. Perhaps because they have such short, limited life-spans, they don't want to waste it on problems and trying to solve issues. Or because the majority of them have very low IQs and just aren't smart enough to deal with problems any other way than getting annoyed with them. Spade didn't know, and since Brink wasn't around anymore, no one made any effort to try and seek out Spade's humanity.

Ah, Brink. The old ringmaster, the person who had made him feel for a short time. After Brink was gone that disappeared, the ice that had begun to melt ceased, and he went back to what he was. He doesn't even know if anyone knew about that, it had been such a short period of time, and neither of them had ever made it a big deal, Brink too shy and Spade unaware that it was something to share. The ringmaster had tried to explain things to Basil, tried to make him understand and attempted to get through to the man inside the shell, but then he had left. Spade decided to not dwell on it, reminding himself of their short lives, and how he had probably not wanted to waste any of that precious time on an ageless being.

He grabbed one falling knife by its hilt, another by the blade, and the last went into his hand as he turned to face the other man that had so recently approached him. "Do you know how to juggle?" Spade inquires, white hair stained a tiny bit in some places with red. The knife that is lodged in his hand he pulls out a moment later, watching the skin stitch itself back together. "I can not quite get it. Perhaps watching someone else may help." Oh Spade, you weirdo.

Maybe Okami shouldn't have come. He's caught off guard by the words and actions of Spade, but it doesn't surprise him for long. After all, he's a stranger, and Spade should stay that way perhaps. Maybe he shouldn't. Spade, like him perhaps felt alone but perhaps not. Did the Wolf really want to venture into that dangerous, risk-taking territory? Hmph, we'll see.

A strained smile, hard to stretch the facial muscles with the lack of use. He hadn't smiled in a long time. One blade was caught by the handle and another into his hand, blood splattered into a frenzy of droplets in the air and yet the wielder doesn't even notice or show signs of caring. It's pulled out, as if it is annoying to him and there's the question that Spade was probably expecting an answer to by now. Should he answer and venture in, or leave and stay safe? Hmm...Decisions, decisions and yet tonight, Okami doesn't care if he's hurt. He's tired. Not in the physical way, but weary that a nice change of pace could revive the depression that was him at least perhaps for now.

"I do. Juggling and swords are part of my act. I usually balance a samurai sword on my nose on the high tightrope and juggle some daggers in the beginning of my act." His voice is slightly deep from lack of use or drink but it's there and auditable. The second part of the meager ask for assistance was the real tongue catcher for this purple and black clothed male. He was narrow, but not thin that he was malnourished, not yet at least. The Wolf was thin enough that it seemed that any skinnier and one would think him a few years younger than he was.

Blood, the scent maybe was what had provoked this reaction, this crazy answer from the loner but it happened. Maybe it was desperation that called to Okami Tsundere and begged for interaction with others. Maybe, just an inkling of maybe was it that Okami wanted to explore the ends of his life and see just how close to death he could get. To flirt, laugh and play with the one thing that steals without warning-a chance that he wouldn't let go.

There's that curiosity that wants to know the age old question of, ; 'what happens after we die?' His heart pounds and adrenaline comes coursing out, there's a smile and narrowed eyes of eagerness that is seldom seen on the pale face of this orphan. There's this crazy thought again, a little annoying voice that he wants to listen to, that screams when he's fifty feet in the air to just JUMP off and fall into nothing. It's a daring little act, but should he go and help or run and stay safe? Oh, Okami knows the answer to this.

"I can help you if you wish. The key first is to have a steady body which steadies your hand to throw. Throwing and juggling is an art I can teach. Here." He taps Spade's blood covered shoulder with an amused look and holds his hand out for the bloodied knives. "Your name is Spade, right? I'm Okami."

It has been four years ever since Amelie joined the circus. For that time she would put her mind, hopes and effort for the sake of flawless acting. That's what people came to see - perfect and joyful enterntainment. Amelie was good and useful at that, so this was her goal. Compared to many of the workers, Amelie was fairly new. She was a high school graduate when she joined. An acrobat at a night circus was her job, her future. She would better do it right.

Tonight's performance was getting closer. Dressed and ready for rehersal, she went inside the tent.

"There you are!" Amelie spoke to Okami in a quiet, yet clear voice. "I hope you haven't forgotten about our act. Good evening to you too, Spade. I wish you luck with your performance." Her eye flinched slightly at his wounds. "I hope you put yourself together and do it properly, without any serious injuries."

She turned back to Okami.
"Okay, Okami. You remember every single step of our act, right?" Amelie looked into his eyes. "We should do a rehersal before the show. Then you can help Spade with his performance."

Amelie was glad Okami took his job seriously. There were no complications, they got along most of the time, just straight cooperation for the audience's sake. However, for four years she barely interacted with him properly outside of work.

Ryou woke up after hearing what seem like the sound of people shouting. Ryou chuckled a bit after he had done registered the sound of the voice before. “Frae, you never changes, did you?” Ryou thought to himself. Ryou let out a sigh, “Another day of hard work huh… I hope the tricks go according to the original plan” but all his anxiety disappeared when he remembered the smile and happiness emitted from the children sweet, innocent face. He hopes that all of the children will lead a happy and wonderful life. He didn’t want them to experience the harsh reality of life when they were still a little as he once was. If not for the sake of the past ringmaster.., Ryou let out another sigh, “The past is the past”. He woke up from his bed to change his clothes. He also brought along his favourite white robe and went out of his tent.

Ryou looked at his surrounding; his tent is the closest to the food tent and right next to it is a practice tent. Okami‘s tent stand directly next to his tent. Speaking of Okami, Ryou never really understand him as much as the others except he was one of the oldest member that had been here under the guidance of the old ringmaster. Ryou always sense a familiar aura around him; a feeling that Ryou himself had always had before. Ryou eventually dismissed his though about Okami and continued to observe his surrounding before he made his way to the food tent.

Aside from the slight modification that had been done, the circus look as exactly as it is when Ryou started to live here which was 17 years ago. As he went inside the brightly lit food tent to prepare some food for the performer after the show, he was greeted by the sweet scent of cinnamon. He also could see two figures sitting at the table in the center of the tent, Frae and Madoc. Frae seems like he was in a sort of trouble while Madoc tried to confront him. “Having a bad day, huh Frae?” he tried to ask Frae in an attempt to make a small chit-chat. When he thought about it, his question seems funny as the answer was directly shown by Frae moody attitude. Ryou made his way to bunch of ingredient that had been bought by Madoc. “Thanks as always, Mad for buying a bunch of ingredient”. Ryou said with a big smile on his face. “Hmmm…what should I do” Ryou started to think about their next meal leaving Madoc to handle Frae’s problem.

Ryou woke up after hearing what seem like the sound of people shouting. Ryou chuckled a bit after he had done registered the sound of the voice before. “Frae, you never changes, did you?” Ryou thought to himself. Ryou let out a sigh, “Another day of hard work huh… I hope the tricks go according to the original plan” but all his anxiety disappeared when he remembered the smile and happiness emitted from the children sweet, innocent face. He hopes that all of the children will lead a happy and wonderful life. He didn’t want them to experience the harsh reality of life when they were still a little as he once was. If not for the sake of the past ringmaster.., Ryou let out another sigh, “The past is the past”. He woke up from his bed to change his clothes. He also brought along his favourite white robe and went out of his tent.

Ryou looked at his surrounding; his tent is the closest to the food tent and right next to it is a practice tent. Okami‘s tent stand directly next to his tent. Speaking of Okami, Ryou never really understand him as much as the others except he was one of the oldest member that had been here under the guidance of the old ringmaster. Ryou always sense a familiar aura around him; a feeling that Ryou himself had always had before. Ryou eventually dismissed his though about Okami and continued to observe his surrounding before he made his way to the food tent.

Aside from the slight modification that had been done, the circus look as exactly as it is when Ryou started to live here which was 17 years ago. As he went inside the brightly lit food tent to prepare some food for the performer after the show, he was greeted by the sweet scent of cinnamon. He also could see two figures sitting at the table in the center of the tent, Frae and Madoc. Frae seems like he was in a sort of trouble while Madoc tried to confront him. “Having a bad day, huh Frae?” he tried to ask Frae in an attempt to make a small chit-chat. When he thought about it, his question seems funny as the answer was directly shown by Frae moody attitude. Ryou made his way to bunch of ingredient that had been bought by Madoc. “Thanks as always, Mad for buying a bunch of ingredient”. Ryou said with a big smile on his face. “Hmmm…what should I do” Ryou started to think about their next meal leaving Madoc to handle Frae’s problem.

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"Who said I was here to comfort you?" Madoc retorted, a biting edge clinging to his words as he purposefully blew a puff of cinnamon-scented smoke into the younger man's face, the earlier comment about cinnamon(even if he was relatively sure it was untrue) not lost on him. "I haven't the foggiest where you got that idea. Maybe I'm just here to make you feel even worse, ever thought of that?" He plucked his cigarette from his mouth long enough to take a vicious bite of toast, tongue flicking out to clear away any errant smudges of jam. Like many people at the circus, Fraener was exceedingly talented. He could control or at least speak with snakes, his physiology was remarkable in its abnormality, and he could drive all good cheer out of Madoc with a single word (to be fair that word was also a name that had gotten Madoc teased mercilessly as a child).

It wasn't like he hadn't been expecting this, however, given who exactly Fraener was (a huge pain in Madoc's ass) and their general relationship of public verbal sparring matches with the odd occasion of Fraener using him as a human heater interspaced between said incidents. It was a wonder that neither had murdered the other yet, but for all of Madoc's threats to wring his scrawny little neck and Fraener's insistence that Madoc would wake one day in a bed full of poisonous snakes, their preferred weapons were words, which they both wielded like master swordsmen. That and Madoc would be even more stressed if he didn't have someone to shout at for perfectly legitimate reasons, thank you very much.

It took another insult- this one weak and not even worthy of a reply on Madoc's part- and Madoc finishing half of his breakfast-dinner before Fraener finally divulged what had happened.

"Well, shit, Fraener. Sorry that happened," He mumbled, eyebrows raised in slight surprise and lips twisted into a frown. He didn't feel guilty about anything he'd said- he knew Fraener far too well to ever feel bad about his retorts- but it was shame. Madoc actually liked the kid's snakes(he often noted that their personalities were far more charming than Fraener's), and as the only thing resembling a veterinarian working within the circus, he almost felt personally responsible for the incident, even if that didn't make sense.

"I'll check on the others before the show. Make sure they're doing okay." It wasn't much consolation, but it was as much as he could offer the younger man at the moment. The momentary, mournful truce was broken as others began to filter into the food tent, preparing for the night ahead of them. There was Ryou, as energetic and flippant as always as he wandered by, waving off his thanks with an embarrassed "You're welcome". It wasn't that he didn't like getting a little appreciation if his occasional diatribes about half of the circus having no respect for what he did meant anything, but that didn't stop him from getting a little flustered when it was actually brought up in public.

Then came Catherine, the local supernatural entity and perhaps the sweetest person at the circus (which should have been weird given that she was an actual mythological creature), her arrival heralded by the noisy call of her motorcycle. Her head, he was relieved to see, was firmly in place today, attached seamlessly to her pale throat.

"Evening, Catherine. I'm doing alright. Yourself? Do any of your… thing?" He could spare her the niceties given how tumultuously their relationship had begun, with him poking and prodding her incessantly the moment he'd figured out that she wasn't human apart from in appearance. He glanced at Fraener then, wondering for just a moment how much of what he'd told him was considered private before making up his mind.

"It's nice of you to offer, but I don't think there's anything you can do unless you've got a scarf tucked away in that suit of yours. His nibs thinks he's too good for pants," he finally replied with a shrug, clinging to only the last part of Fraener's list of complaints. If Fraener wanted to tell more people about the baby snakes, that was his business, but Madoc wouldn't be the one spreading it around. It didn't seem right. He shrugged off his jacket, as warm to the touch as if it had been freshly pulled from the dryer from prolonged exposure to Madoc's too-warm body heat, and tossing it haphazardly at Fraener's face.

"Keep it for now. It'll only get colder and I won't have you getting sick- you're absolutely awful as a patient." Which was absolutely, one-hundred percent true. The last time Fraener had caught a cold he'd whinged and whined at Madoc the entire time, apparently intent on spreading the misery.

Fraener's first instinct is to come up with some witty insult to throw in the face of the doctor. It's instinct, it's how they do things, they don't do this, not in public at least. In private they're slightly more agreeable to one another, and the harsh words they usually exchange become less insulting and more teasing. They've fallen into a sort of easy routine now, and very rarely do they break that and even pretend to be able to stand each other in public. Though he supposes there isn't really anyone around, so it's sort of like they're in private. It's still weird, since usually they're in Madoc's 'office' kind of thing. And Frae is also more often that not lying on or curled next to Madoc, using him as a heater. Though he was always very stubborn about it, acting as if he would rather be anywhere other than there, and generally just being obnoxious.

"Thanks," Frae mumbled, a bit uncomfortable. He wasn't sure what to say, not when Madoc was basically offering condolences, and being sort-of-nice. Were you supposed to thank someone when they apologized for someone dying? The snake averted his eyes, wishing he had Draco to distract himself with. It was much easier when they were hurling insults at one another, and they didn't have to do this serious thing. He shivered a little, feeling the warmth that came off of Madoc, the warmth that was just a little too far away for his body to actually start to adjust itself to it. The most horrible part about being a snake, always being the same temperature as your surroundings, even if that means freezing. Being that they only performed at night, even in the summer he was usually chilly. Madoc speaks again, offering a distraction to his inner rambling. "Yeah, I'd appreciate that. The sooner the better actually, they were acting odd when I left them." When it came to his babies, even he could act like an actual nice, normal person, instead of like a manipulative, lying snake.

Ryou made his appearance not long after he had spoken, and he quickly shut up about the subject. The only person he felt comfortable revealing anything about his snakes with was Madoc, and that was only because he was the vet and would find out one way or another. It wasn't like he had anything against Ryou, on the contrary, the boy was one of the few he could actually stand at the circus. Energetic, yes, but not annoying, and didn't ramble on constantly. Still, the only reply he gave to him was a shrug, which was probably considered a good reaction by most of them, since he could have just said something nasty to him in return. Catherine made her appearance shortly thereafter, but not before being incredibly obnoxious (almost his level of obnoxious) by riding her motorcycle loudly into the circus.

It was quite obvious she still wasn't comfortable around him, or at least didn't know how to act, and he didn't care very much. She didn't seem to like snakes, so he didn't seem to like her. But before Frae could offer some biting comment, he had a face full of jacket. "You could have warned me, ass." Frae grumbled, but he pulled the jacket on nonetheless. Madoc wasn't really that much bigger than him (pft, yeah he was) but the snake was practically swimming in the jacket. He didn't care, he wrapped it around him and let his body adjust to the new, warm temperature. "And I am not an awful patient, you're just scared I'll try to bite you again, you sissy." Says the boy that literally can't do anything for himself if he even gets the slightest cold.

Spade watches Okami, assuming that he's thinking things through before replying to him. This is also something odd to him, since he doesn't really think about things, he just tells people how it is. Very clinical, cold and detached, but not purposefully. People typically stayed away from him just because he wasn't very sociable, untaught in the ways of small talk. Not necessarily because they didn't like him, but perhaps some of them stayed away from him for that reason too. The doctor, Madoc, always seemed to be around and fretting over him, and Spade didn't mind that. He didn't understand it either, but since he seemed to be who Spade interacted with most, he decided that he... liked the doctor. If that was the correct term, he believes that is what you call it when you aren't bothered by another person. Might that be mutual they would be friends, he thinks.

Finally he speaks, informing Spade that he does juggle in his act. That wasn't quite the answer he was looking for, he more wanted to know if he could show him how or not. Then he gets to that part and Spade realizes that he was just answering both of the questions, but he doesn't understand that either. Would it not have been more efficient to just tell him he could show him how? That would have meant he could, so it would have answered both questions in one. He chalks it up to one word, humans, and their confusing ways. "Yes, my name is Spade. Hello Okami." Spade's eyes follow the hand as it pokes him, he doesn't feel it but at least he knows it's happened. Should he poke the other back? No, he seems to want the knives from him...

As he's handing them to the other man, another person approaches them. Spade had not intended to see so many people today, it's both strange and exciting, because that means he gets to watch others interact to try and figure more out. She doesn't pay much attention to him at first, speaking to Okami, but this is good because he can instead watch their interaction. Then she seems to be speaking to him, and his first instinct is to correct her about what she's seemed to have gotten wrong. "My performance is getting injured. I have an accelerated healing speed though, so it's okay." Spade assures her, then gets quiet so they can continue talking. From the dialogue it seems that Okami might be otherwise occupied, which is fine with him. "I can wait, you should practice. You don't have a healing ability, falling could kill you." Well, that's not creepy at all.

Oh my, my! Becca was already up and about by six in the evening, having spent hours to soak in her favorite tub with all the rose oil she managed to find and some luxurious bars of goat's milk and honey soap to lather her hair with. Ah, such luxuries were expensive but that's why Becca was here in the circus. The pay was fair, enough to support her lifestyle of continued wealthy experiences but it was the fact that her...condition was accepted here. See, Becca isn't just a female, she's a male as well. Two beings in one hot, slender and over-the-fucking-top clothing to make that is she. She is Becca Hozier, the circus's self-appointed momma. Today, there's a sheen of make up on the hermaphrodite and the heavy scent of floral perfume, and a fine suit of white cotton with pink silk was perfectly tailored and starched to make a high-quality impression.

Off to the tent, Becca finds a way there and nearly dances instead of walking. A beautiful person needed to stay beautiful with some sort of fuel to keep the rainbow machine on the go and that's just why she was here. Just as booted feet find a way to the dining room and kitchen, someone else exits and lo and behold, who is it? It's Ryou! Blonde hair and all, blue eyes and that to-die-for white skin. Becca nearly begins to drool at the sight of face porn, flawless was this lovely magician. Maybe, just maybe he could magic his way to her bed one night...Hehe, whoopsie. Bad momma. Yes, that's right. Becca is one bad momma sometimes. Hey, hell is warm this time of year, so why die someday without living that edge that was made to be reached? Yellow-green eyes are glued for a brief moment to the fine white skin and then onto those deep, cerulean blue eyes. They're such a light blue, it could probably calm the heart of a demon. Was she a demon? That depends.

"My, my, dear Ryou-chan..." Becca steps in front of Ryou's path and waves with that wink of her's. She's wearing pink gloves, that white top hat and the tall leather boots, looking quite out of place in the area where circus performers were not as glamourous wearing people other than in their performing outfits. This was not only a performing outfit for the transgendered woman, but also everyday clothing. Yes, Becca is so fabulous that she needs a top hat because all that awesome has to go somewhere.

"Whatever are you mumbling about, Ryou-chan? You're looking adorable as always, my little 'white magician'." There's that smug chuckle. "If you need help, Ryou-momma would be glad to help. Tell momma what's bothering you so." Carefully, does she lean forward, that wicked smile on her lips and blinks her pretty eyes just to encourage awkwardness if possible.

---

Amelie came and Okami's adrenaline is sent sky-high. Her appearance meant that soon he'd be back to laughing at death again tonight. She was the only he could probably ever give a trust brownie point to. He had to, in order to perform. His life was in her hands when they swing from bar to bar or platform to platform. He caught her and she did catch him on the tight-rope. Their act, as she mentioned was fairly new from the same old flying acrobat routine. It had juggling swords and daggers as well as other things. He nodded to his partner and took the knife from Spade, looking over the bloodied blade that still shone through the crimson liquid. It fascinated him to wonder, what would his body look like with a samurai sword skewered through his chest, it made him wonder if it'd be just as bloody as the knife he held but he blinks before he can continue thoughts of death.

Death, in a way fascinated the purple haired man. The acrobat dealt with death daily, each time he stood on the tight-rope and performed. One slip, and he'd fall to his death fifty feet down. Maybe this was the reason for his fascination and interest or maybe it could be something else entirely. Even the Wolf himself did not know, and nor did he even care. There were more important things to be done than think brainlessly on your feet all day. Amelie had pointed this out. They had rehearsal and he wasn't even dressed in his show clothes. He had a black decorated vest with black trousers and either black shoes or barefeet. Amelie's was a bit different since it was designed for a woman. Basically, their outfits were similar.

"If I fall.." Okami looked in Spade's eyes for a moment. "Then so be it. I welcome death." He took the knife and demonstrated on his finger how to balance the blade perfectly even. Because he touched the side of the blade and not the edge, he was not cut, but blood still dripped from the blade onto his hand and body.

"Balance is the key and the key to balance is to learn how to steady yourself. Come see me when the show is over if you still want help." With a flick of the wrist, Okami flips the blade from the side on his finger and grabbed a hold of the hilt before turning the handle back to Spade in respect. If he had faced Spade's body with the blade itself, it is a sign of disrespect and so far, Okami was giving Spade a chance. He never gives chances to anyone unless they prove to him to be trust-worthy.

He had no experience with Spade, and this the bloodied man's chance to gain his trust. It was hard to gain trust from anyone, but even more so for Okami. Just this one time, he swears will be all. This behavior is dangerous, the cause of his dilated pupils and the pounding of his heart. Adrenaline still coursed in his body and it sent every nerve into overdrive with anticipation. Adrenaline could be the culprit for this uncharacteristic behavior, or maybe...Maybe the Wolf's soul is tired of being alone.

Purple eyes glance at Amelie and he nods again. It's a confirmation that they are indeed going to rehearse. One could almost swear that there is that look of earnest and eagerness in his eye as he looks at his partner. It's almost as if Okami speaks unspoken words from his eyes. Wordless, and lost in translation-these little emotions disappear into nothingness and soon the old Okami Tsundere is back into his shell and relaxes, becoming reserved like he normally is. Balance, that's right...Balance and self-discipline was the key to everything. Without it, some will surely die.

"Let's go." He speaks in that cold tone, that rough voice he always had to everyone, but he speaks to Amelie now. He speaks, to the one person out of all performers the Wolf could dare to trust or maybe even dare call something close to being a friend.

The only answer that Ryou got from frae was a shrug. He didn’t actually mind as he knew that Frae did not liked to be disturbed when he had some sort of trouble. The same situation would also happen to Ryou if he accidently got himself into a deep trouble. The only real difference was people usually didn’t notice him in trouble until Ryou started to distance himself from the others. This usually made the others gave him some sort of ‘advice’ especially their ‘advisor’, Madoc.

The silence that was starting to engulf them was disturbed by the loud roar of a motorcycle engine. “Look like Cath had came from her little trip to the town.” Ryou whispered to himself as he didn’t want to interrupt the intense situation between Frae and Madoc. He wanted to greet her but he had to cancel his intention to leave room for Madoc to comfort Frae .Later there were some conversation going on between Cath and Madoc but he didn’t pay any attention to it as he busy looking for some ingredients from the grocery bag. Ryou took some of them before he made his way to the kitchen.

On his way to the kitchen, Ryou started to think about the dish he wanted to make for their late night supper. “Hmm… what should I make for them today?” as he mumbled to himself. Just then, Ryou caught a scent of perfume lingering in the air. A nice combination of floral scent were dancing trough Ryou nose. While his mind is busy interpreting the smell, he was shocked to see someone suddenly standing in front of him. “My, my, dear Ryou-Chan” the figure suddenly spoke to him. It took Ryou a couple of seconds before he finally grasped the situation. It was Becca who was standing in front of him.” It seem funny that some of your skills could become your weakness”, Ryou thought about how sensitive his nose (a trait that most of the cooks have) reacted to the scene which eventually decreased his awareness of the surrounding.

Ryou eventually greeted her,” Hahaha… Sorry there Becca, I didn’t notice you were there. Maybe it was due to your perfume” Ryou said while smiling sheepishly toward her to cover his shocked expression.” Whatever are you mumbling about, Ryou-Chan? You’re looking as adorable as always, my little ‘white magician”. “Thanks and you’re looking as stunning as ever,” Ryou said in an attempted to continue the conversation. He thought a little before answering her next question “It nice for you to offer Becca but I think maybe you should go for a bit of practice with your song. It’s not such a big task really” he backed a little before giving her a wink.

“But If you really wanted to, you could become a food taster for my next dish” Ryou whispered to her ear before he continued to make his way to the kitchen. It never ceased to amuse him for teasing someone else especially Becca. Maybe because of her personality that made she becomes close to him in a short amount of time. It never hurt to have a little company, right??

Amelie placed her hand on her face when Basil told her his actual act was injuring himself.
"Of course it is, of course..." she mumbled. "Don't rely too much on your fast healing." Amelie crossed her arms. "And don't forget that young children may be in the audience. Not all of them go to bed early."

Her brows twitched when Spade mentioned the obvious thing - Okami and Amelie would die if they made a mistake.
"If I fall... then so be it... I welcome death." Okami spoke.

It was disturbing, yet fascinating for Amelie to listen to both of them talk about injury and death so casually. She could understand for Basil, he was almost invincible. However, she glared at Okami for a moment when he talked about death like it was similar to missing a bus. Amelie was doing her best to dirtract her thoughts from the fact that an acrobat always had their life on stake. Performing was no joke, your thoughts must not be occupied by death no matter if it paralizes your brain with fear or not. For Amelie this was the same as looking down while hanging off a cliff. She trained her mind to consider everything as something usual she did for a living. This was her job, her life.

Despite the light discussion about death, the young woman had respect for Okami who was ready to help Basil.
"Cooperation must exist even between performers who are doing different acts. It is a good thing he is considerate about it." she thought.

And this was it - her partner was ready for rehearsal.
"Before we start, you should dress properly. We will be flying in he air, we won't be sleeping." Amelie said.

A food taster? Sign Becca up! Anything delightful, tasty, adorable was the key to the heart of the transgendered woman. Everything about Ryou made Becca just wanna squee with joy and cuddle the little guy. Well, okay Ryou wasn't little, but to the bearded lady, anything adorable was little and demanded to be cuddled immediately with undivided attention.

The very fact how the blonde caught and complimented on the elegant woman's attire was another fact of why Ryou was adorable. The kid had class. Style, looks, that to die for white skin, and those stunning blue eyes, How could anyone want to miss out on such a lovely little nibble? Oops, did Becca call Ryou a nibble? Yes, she most certainly did.

"Nonsense, nonsense!" Becca shut her eyes with that smug grin, waving her hand as if to brush off the burden metaphorically. "It's no burden to momma, Ryou-chan. My song is already fabulous just like me. This leaves me time to help with my adorable little cuties." She snapped her eyes open, that grin wide open and leaned forward once more.


She's eager, she's happy, and most of all her strange behavior is over the top. Then again, everything about the hermaphrodite was over the top. Nothing, was ever really normal about this person in general. That little wink only fueled the desire to chase after her fellow performer and not in the...rated G way. It was more of a rated R or X kind of thing, judging by the way how Becca's eyes twinkled with lust and mischief.

The little, gentle, sweet whisper in her ear as she had leaned forward was not helping his case either. In a small fit of giggles, there's that nod and a suppressed smile. In a moment, pink gloved hands bring the top hat off of her head and down to her chest in a display of honor and quite frankly, glee. Not good glee, but...mischief glee. The white magician saunters to the kitchen, leaving the white clad figure with hat to chest and looking in awe of how smooth this kid was. How cute and cool was this guy?

"Ryou-chan, don't do that to mommy!" Becca burst out, worried he'd leave her behind. After all, food, free and tasting the work of the adorable white magician of the circus? Who could pass this opportunity up? It was a once in a lifetime chance.

"Wait for me! I'll taste your delicious food with joy, Ryou-chan! What food are you making for momma today?" Becca followed hot on Ryou's heels into the kitchen with the hat back on her head, flopping on her scalp with flap of white, pink and purple colors. "Never fear, my dear! Becca-chan is here!" There's the old Becca who announced her presence to everyone in the kitchen once they were inside with that infectious attitude.

---

Amelie speaks and it's then does the poor Wolf remember that he's only half dressed. Oh. Well, if he had his way, he'd perform in this. It was comfortable after all. The tight vest that gave off the well trimmed look of his body was sometimes quite trapping in feeling. Some could probably imagine that tightness to be the only thing that reminds them in an adrenaline fueled frenzy that they are alive and not dreaming this bittersweet nightmare. This was his life, and Okami had accepted this fate long ago as a child.

"You'll have to help me then." Okami resorted, looking at his barefeet, bare chest and patted his head in a look of confusion. Why in the world was he required to wear makeup in the first place?

Reluctantly, does the purple haired acrobat walk forward, walking towards the dressing area where everyone was expected to be when they put make up on, get their hair in order, change into their sparkly show outfits. Okami was never really one for elegant things, he prefered things simple and easy. Right to the point, not beating around the bush with twenty-questions and what not. Alas, he knows this is his duty. This is what feeds his meals everyday and keeps him warm on the cold nights, this is all that the Wolf knows. To risk his life, for the sake of someone's entertainment. A performing Wolf. Who would have ever thought it?

He's silent as he thinks, watching Amelie and for a moment he doesn't realize he's staring at her but eventually snaps out of it in a few moments. A sigh escapes his lips and eyes glance over back to the dressing area. One could see the flurry of movement where the fabric walls were swishing with each step of someone behind the curtain. There must have been a dozen voices he knew in that room, including the makeup and hair girls who were probably focused on decorating the clowns for their act which was first in line with the elephants.

"Amelie..." He speaks at last, walking back again to the dressing area. "Could you do my makeup? I think the clowns are giving the makeup girls hell." A brief glance back at his co-performer. "Then we can dance in the sky once I have my show outfit." And there's that adrenaline crazed look in his eyes. It's wide-eyed, it's thirsty, it's demanding and excited all at the same time. That look was calculating but dangerous and yet, so beautifully aired with a cloak of false patience.

This was a dangerous trend he was walking on. This thread he stepped on in the borders of his comfort. However, it gave him the rush of courage that adrenaline brings when the high hits. The crash at the end is back to himself, but paranoia will set in eventually when the drug of his body wears off. Death, what would the last moments of his life be? A brief moment, his heart skips a beat and he has to give that strained, pained and exhausted smile.

Who cares when death would find him soon enough anyway? Everyone dies someday and he would die too. A Wolf, no matter how the bite, can never gnaw away the inevitable trap set for him at birth to die. Okami was no different with his pale skin, long purple hair and that cool, silent air about him. Okami wouldn't worry or fear it's approach but he wanted to be drunk as possible on adrenaline when it happened.

Was he an adrenaline-junkie? It was beginning to look like it, oh yes. Unless, of course he could find another delightful drug to feast on.

Amelie could see a spark in Okami's eyes. She knew well that he wasn't indifferent to the stage. This is what made him a good partner.
"Alright." She spoke to Okami. "I'll do your make up. Spade. We'll be right back."

In the dressing room, both of them were in front of a mirror.
"Okami..." Amelie pulled his bangs back and started working on his make up. "Failure is the last thing you should be thinking of. Death must not come into your mind at any cost. All you should be thinking of is the show you give to the audience. This is what you've been doing in the past twenty years, haven't you? You're still here, living and preparing for another night of aerialism. You know very well that death is not an option unless you're tired, wrinkled and laying in bed. I believe you're not any of those things, are you, Okami?"

His words earlier were still in her head. Even though he had many more years of experience and he had proved to her to be trustworthy enough, her mind couldn't find peace until she told him that. Why were his words rumbling her brain so much? Amelie shouldn't be bothered by something like that.

"Done. If you like your make up, go and change your clothes. I'll be waiting."