Alynna "Risque" Silverkin's Story

Buzzing... that's all Alynna heard, sighing she rolled over on her side and stared at the floor. She always seemed to have a problem sleeping when something was on her mind. Usually when she wanted to try something out. Rolling off the bunk she'd stand and stretch. Walking outside, she'd shake her head. She should've been sleeping, she needed her rest. How was she supposed to perform when she was exhausted? Looking around she decided she needed someone to help her practice her newest trick. Something she wanted to try tonight. She pulled her messy Aqua hair back into a loose bun.

Alynna had her sleight of hand downpacked for tonight, but, she wanted the trick to be great...her finale. This would involve her standing on a tightrope, chained together, wrapped in a straightjacket, she would have to escape before the ropes were burned down, and she would fall to her death, or at least get a broken arm or wrist. It needed to be perfect, it took a lot of convincing to get her finale approved. Plus she would have to replace the ropes. She needed to practice. She didn't want Brink to know that she was awake, he'd probably send her back to bed. Shrugging she strutted off to Julius's tent. Upon opening the flaps she began to start her sentence with "I know-oh..." He wasn't in the tent at all. "Well... this is going to be a successfull morning." She'd grumble to herself.

She only chose the lion tamer because she assumed he'd be pretty strong, so if she fell, he'd catch her and not get crushed or anything.
Her eyes light up as she got an Idea to add on her finale. Her strut turned into a Jog as she ran to the "Lions Den" She'd need his help.. and his input. She hoped he was up to helping...

Normal people fell asleep in their own beds, in their own homes more often then not. Normal people woke up in the mornings, went about their business, and then went to bed at night. Normal people had cats, dogs, and maybe the odd parakeet or hamster, or, if they were really lucky, a pony. Julius was not "normal people", which still did little to explain why he was currently sleeping in the midst of a pile of lions in the middle of their pen, just now waking up as the sun began its journey to disappear over the horizon and the moon began its trip to light the world. Even in a circus inhabited by so-called "freaks" he was a bit of a weird one.

Julius let out a little moan as he awoke, his eyes still stubbornly kept shut as he tried to grasp onto the last tendrils of sleep. But, no, sleep had abandoned him which probably meant it was nearing nighttime and, therefore, time to get up. Well, at least it should be time to get up. It could be time for anything for all he cared, but that didn't mean he would. Instead, he snuggled into the warm fur around him in a way that would even make the most enthusiastic animal lover shiver in fear.

Oh, he would have kept sleeping, content as he was, if it weren't for the lions that had also begun to wake up. One in particular nuzzled her whiskered face insistently into the back of his neck, warm breath cascading over his back. Julius let out a grumble. Who needed an alarm clock when one had a pack of lions that kept excellent time?

"All right, Nina, dear. I'm up, I'm up," He sighed, giving in as he sat up and opened his bright green eyes. The disappearing light from outside cast odd shadows along the Lion's Den as he stood up, stretching out his arms and popping his neck. Nina, a large female lion, seemed to look smug as she and the five others in the pen began to wake up themselves, stretching out their backs like common house cats.

Julius let idly dusted some imaginary dirt off of his clothes- today a white button-up shirt with a scarlet vest and his typical black slacks- before slipping on his shoes closer towards the entrance of the pen. Where were they today? He couldn't remember the town's actual name- he'd been so many places, it had all begun to blend together- but it was a big sort of place with plenty of people willing to entertain.

"Is everyone ready to give the good people a show?" He asked with a yawn, smiling at his precious lions and reaching out to rub Nina's head. That was when, of course, he noticed Alynna just entering the Den.

"I'll be back later, m'dears," He assured, sounding much more like a dog owner assuring their pets than someone talking to lions, as he made his way towards the edge of the pen and slipping his way out to meet Alynna.

"Alynna! How are we this morning?" He greeted, typical lazy grin scrawled across his face as he approached.

Alynna stopped short when she heard Julius's voice. Her green eyes opened wide as she looked at him. Shaking her head she would chuckle. "Mornin Leo..." She'd stick out her tongue and stretch once more. Craining her neck she noticed the lions rustling around. "Seems you enjoy those big cats more than your bed." She'd comment, before embracing him in a quick hug. Looking up at him she scrunched up her nose. "Smell like cats." That was all she'd say on the subject.

Alynna loved the cats, she was an animal lover. Maybe that's why her and Julius got along so well. Pointing to the big top she'd smirk, "I need help with my finale... but first let me explain it to you." That was only proper, though she mentally prepared herself for a lecture. Releasing him from the hug she'd sit down and run her fingers through her hair, taking a deep breath, she started her story. "So I was thinking, maybe I'd be strapped in a straight jacket, chained down while I balanced on a tightrope." She'd pause her fingers fiddling together, a nervous habit... " Then we'd get someone to light the rope on fire, and I had only that amount of time to escape before the rope burned out." She'd look up at him, reading his facial reactions to all she was saying. "Then.. well.. I'd leap off, and wrap my coat around me, dissapear, and of course doves or crows would appear out of thin air..." She'd bite her lip and crack her neck, "Though... I'll need someone to catch me as I "Dissapear."" She used air quotes around dissapear, because to everyone it was an Illusion, but behind the screen, everyone knew that she didn't dissapear to behind the tent, she just did sleight of hands. "But.. I'll need someone to catch me...I was hoping you could do it... you're pretty strong." She'd smirk and lean back on her palms as she continued looking at him. His green eyes reminded her of the cats eyes, while his curly hair made him look like he was half lion himself. The smell didn't help either.
"So what do you say Leo...Julius...friend...pal..." Her eyes would quickly search for the rest of the circus folk, seems everyone was preparing.... "Wanna help your best friend?" Her eyes would give nothing away of her secret plans, afterall she had to live up to her nickname... Risque .

Julius managed to look mildly affronted at the use of his stage name. If there was one thing he hated about working at the circus- well, one thing out of several- it was his God-awful name. Really? Leo the Lion-Hearted? That just made him die a little on the inside. Nevertheless, he accepted the hug and gave one in return, only laughing when she remarked about his smell.

"You're just jealous because I get two beds," He retorted, although he did make a mental note to take a shower before he did anything. As much as he was used to the smell of the lions, other people- well, other people weren't. Besides, he might as well be neat and clean for the show tonight.

He listened to Alynna's proposal, eyebrows raising at the appropriate times. It was little wonder that her stage name was Risque- everything she did was over the top and seemed to have the potential for death. This little scheme was the perfect example of just how risky she could be. He understood the need for spectacle, especially when that was one's entire job, but he couldn't help but think about all the ways it could go wrong. Then again, considering it was Alynna, everything would go completely right just to prove him wrong.

However, he usually didn't have a hand in any of her tricks and being the only thing that kept her from hitting the ground... Was he even strong enough? What if he missed? What if he didn't miss and she ended up hurting both of them? The worries crawled around inside his head, but then he nodded.

"All right. Cool," Julius shrugged, "But if this goes wrong, it's on you. Now, as you pointed out, I need to go bathe, all right? I'll meet you at breakfast and then after that we can talk super secret idiotic stunts, Lynnie." He tugged on her bun lightly, pulling her aqua hair out of place with the obnoxious nickname before making a quick exit so that she couldn't retaliate.

She scrunched up her nose as she stood up. He knew she hated that nickname, but then again, she'd called him Leo. She never meant from his stagename, he just looked like a lion. Glad that he would help her, she'd turn on her heel, and walk to go get breakfast. She was hungry, and as she had learned before, never eat on an empty stomach, or people might think you're dead. She didn't mean to forget to eat... she was just busy with her stunt... it had slipped her mind. Gosh.. how Brink had lectured her about the importance of food after the show. Ever since then she would eat at least something. Walking in the kitchen she noticed how people had seemed to gather.

Her nose wiggled a bit as she noticed Derrick, near Nixie. I bet they end up dating.... She thought to herself as she grabbed a glass of juice. She'd give everyone a wave, without Julius here, she was the eldest. Though she looked messy, with her cockeyed messy bun and her pj's on. She still even had leftover makeup from last night on her face. She felt like a blue raccoon. "Has anyone seen Brink?" She'd ask biting her lip, now she had to make sure it was ok for Julius to be in her act tonight.... "It's about my performance...." Her eyes scanned everyone once more, as she smelled bacon. She'd refuse to eat it of course, she was a vegetarian. "Also... do we have any fruit left?" She'd add on, before stretching, putting together her outfit for that evening.

Outside, the sun was just setting casting long shadows and an eerie light over the traveling circus, drawing his thoughts away from Alynna and her spectacle tonight. It was a sight he'd seen many times before, but every time seemed just as unique and beautiful. Not that he didn't miss the sun every once in a while, but the night had its own appeal. Oh, well. He yawned again, making his way towards his caravan.

The inside was as neat as could be, the walls decorated with souvenirs from the places they'd visited and, in a special place of honor above his bed, a cartoonish drawing of himself with one of his lions given to him by a sweet little girl a few towns ago before she'd been tugged away by her apologetic mother. He smiled slightly at the memory, hand ghosting over the picture. He didn't really interact with the people of the towns outside of the performances apart from his shows. But, on the odd day or on some nights when he finished early, he'd slip into the town just to... to remember.

Realizing that he was getting dangerously close to being nostalgic, Julius drew himself away from the drawing and went about rifling through his doors, neatly filled with all of the clothes he owned in the world. He pulled out another white shirt and a pair of black slacks as well as a deep purple vest that he was reasonably sure had been cleaned more recently. It was, on the whole, a rather drab outfit for someone working at a circus, but there would be time a-plenty for his more gaudy outfits during his performance.

He exited his caravan, the tiny space hardly disturbed. He didn't like staying in their too often, especially on performance days when the air outside was buzzing with excitement and the promise of a good show was filling the air. Closing the door behind him, he took a deep breath. That was, of course, when he promptly realized he wasn't sure if an actual bathing station had been set up yet. As soon as they'd set up yesterday, he'd found his way to the Lion's Den for a good rest and a break from the general commotion that was the circus. And, sure, he could ask someone, but he distinctly remembered passing by a lake not too far away and, in particular, a secluded spot perfect for a swim. Well, he wouldn't get a good scrubbing, but at least he wouldn't reek of lion anymore. With that thought in mind, he made his way out of the camp, clothes slung over his shoulder, humming a little tune under his breath.

It was a good ten minute walk away from camp when he stopped near the lake. It was a grassy spot, half hidden from the rest of the world by a large group of trees surrounding both sides of the body of water like, well, a shower curtain. He snickered a little at the analogy before shucking off his vest, shirt, and pants, folding them neatly and leaving himself in a pair of black underwear. He shivered a little bit as the wind caressed his torso which he did his best to avoid looking at. The scars were like memories painted permanently on his skin, marring the surface.

With everything folded and put neatly to the side, he took a running start and, with a great whoop of excitement, dove into the water.

Brink Orpheus

Brink laughed gently. "I'm only stressed because of Nixie... She's been wild as ever lately." Brink looked over at his friend and chuckled lightly as he messed around with his hair. "I think we should get food into you so you actually have energy to deal with the large amounts of people who will be drawn to your ever amazing show my friend." Brink ran a hand through his hair once again. He may have offered the food as a suggestion but really he was prepared to not give his friend a choice in the matter.

~ . ~

Nixie Blue

Nixie was starting to feel over-whelmed as people stepped in and out of the kitchen doing there own thing and eating. To be honest the wind headed girl was not sure how to deal with it all and was about to tend to everyone when Derrick called back her attention by pulling her hand out from under the water. She winced when he kissed it but that was soon forgotten when he apologized. "Oh no need Derrick It's my fault for not being aware of everything this morning." When he insisted on making it up to her, she flapped her head wings wildly and flailed. "No n-no! It's my job to take care of everyone I don't wanna burden you..." She paused. Derrick was fairly new and with all the errands she'd had to run lately she had not had time to actually see Derrick's performance. Huffing so as not to see like she was giving in to the boy she looked away. "But I guess if you insist... Then I hope to maybe catch your performance but aside that I forbid you going out of your way!" Nixie's head wing's opened widely to show that would be where she draws the line.

Nixie looked around at everyone else in the kitchen. "Brink is still busy I think or asleep... Oh I forgot about fruit! Oh Lenka Alynna everyone I'm sorry!" Nixie ran over to the fridge and opened it pulling out various fruits. "Ah... We only have some apples and peaches..." Nixie sighed and crossed her arms. "I hope you guys don't mind apples and peaches she smiled awkwardly making a mental note to talk to Brink later about going into town... They probably needed some meat as well for the lions and other animals. Maybe she would stay awake after the night and go into town she would end up dead tired but she could always catch up on sleep later.

Brink Orpheus

Brink watched Callus walk off to get 'food'. Your going the wrong way genius! The blonde huffed before forcibly picking up Callus and swinging him up and over his shoulder. "And your right I will force feed you no one in my Circus goes under fed then is forced to perform this includes you!" Brink carried Callus away until they reached there destination. Walking into the tent he smiled seeing his little cousin Nixie being her oblivious caring self and the others though he noticed a few were missing.

Brink gently plopped Callus down before forcing him to sit. "Now eat!" The words came out harsher then Brink intended this was... The norm for him the older boy could not help but always seem rude, uncaring, cold or scary. On several occasion's he'd asked Nixie to teach him to not be but it always resulted in his cousin just un-sure how to help.

~ . ~

Nixie Blue

Nixie blinked as her cousin walked in and set down Callus. "BRINK!" Nixie's head wings opened widely. "Don't force the man to eat what if he's sick!" She huffed and crossed her arms only to have Brink stare at her. "If he was sick then food would give him strength." Nixie faltered at his remark. "Well! In any case Miss Alynna was looking for you!" Huffing annoyed by her defeat Nixie crossed her arms annoyed her cheek's bright red and her red eyes looking in any way that was not making contact with her older cousin's only gray eye.

Alynna grabbed an apple. "Apples are my favourite anyway Nix." She'd say before taking a bite out of it, letting the juice drip on her chin. Derrick leaving didn't bother her, they weren’t best friends, but they weren’t exactly friends anyway. Though she did enjoy seeing his performance, the way he charmed the snakes. Sometimes she wished she could do something with charming animals or taming big cats, but her role was important... she was supposed to keep the crowd believing in magic, in miracles...also make them believe in taking Risks. Maybe that's how she got her stage name? She'd shrug off the thoughts seeing Brink.

Putting down the apple, she'd half eaten, she wiped the juice off her face with her sleeve. Not very lady like, but she really didn't care. "Ah... yes.. Brink, I was looking for you... its about my performance... I have a little more for my finale." She'd give a very sweet smile, her green eyes glowing with pride, and a bunch of ideas. "I'm going to need Julius's help, and he's already agreed to helping me... I just need your permission and some birds." She'd chuckle, knowing that would get his attention.

After speaking her little speech, she picked the apple back up and polished it off. Looking at the fruit once more she'd shake her head, and grab a peach. "We need oranges, and bananas. That's where I get my vitamin C and Potassium." She was a nerd when it came to vitamins. It's how she made sure she got enough nutrients so Brink didn't force her to eat Eggs or Meat.

Maya sighed, laying down the soft, silver brush she was using to brush Mia's hair and turned to face her conjoined twin.
"Where do you reckon everyone is?" She asked in her soft, gentle voice which was, the complete opposite to her twin's.
Mia shrugged her single shoulder and gestured to say she was standing up, "Let's go find them, 'eh?"
Maya obliged, standing at the same time as her sister and deciding against arguing with her - although she really didn't want to leave the room, her shyness was embarrassing and yet Mia seemed to not acknowledge that.

Mia led the way, out of their very own colourful caravan and down the steps, after walking around for a little Mia spotted Risque, Brink and Nixie.
Pulling them over to the other acts, Mia smiles and then turns to Brink and begins talking - After Risque had finished.
"Our song for tonight is cleared, right?" She asks, her smile bright, as if her and her sister were only singers - Not siamese 'freaks'.
Her eyes sparkle as she thinks about the fire and craziness that was involved in her and her sister's performances; a lot of people think their show could potentially be boring, if only they know, the Darling Duo always go out with a bang.

Maya shifted her balance, looking at the ground. She was never the outgoing one, that was for Mia, Maya was the quiet, shy one that stays in the background (or as far as she can go into the background will being a conjoined twin) and yet when she got on stage - All her fears just melt away and she is just...Normal, a normal human singer, not some freak people pay to see because she's attached to someone else.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Maya looks up at the small group and smiles a little at them all, happy that at least Nixie was there - She seemed the nicest to be honest and yet, Maya still couldn't bring up the courage to even hold a conversation with her.

Brink Orpheus

Brink ran a hand through his hair and listened as people began to ask questions... "Alynna..." Brink's tone was it's cold serious-self when he stared at the girl. "I'm fine with you performing I know your capable... But... Just be careful." Brink touched his eye patch. "Even someone who thinks they know what there doing can end up hurt... I am all to aware of this." Brink let his hand drop from his eye patch and sighed. "You have my permission just take every safety precaution." More people were drifting in to eat... Well at least they were eating or sitting near food.

Brink finally directed his gaze to the twins Maya and Mia. They were kind girls and unlike most he wasn't bothered by the fact they were conjoined. He tried a smile but it came out awkward and strange as always... Brink was one of those people who only smiled rarely and forcing himself only made it weird. Finally he gave up and just nodded. "What would our Circus be without singers... Your tent for tonight was set up last night you should go there and make sure everything is as you need it."

Finally having taken care of the numerous questions tossed his way Brink looked over to everyone else and glared. "Nixie prepared this food now I expect it to be eaten and enjoyed! I have enough issue's to attend without the health of my friends being on my mind." Brink gruffly crossed his arm before finally taking his own seat with a huff.

~ . ~

Nixie Blue

Nixie watched Brink run a hand through his hair. Despite the fact her cousin looked annoyed or stressed Nixie knew from experience that wasn't the case. Brink just wasn't any good at socializing each time he did he sounded like an army general or a murderer. Of course alone in there caravan that wasn't the case mainly because her older cousin would try and treat her like a princess much to her dismay. I mean when she was younger it was pleasant but now a days being forced to sit in a chair why your cousin picked out your clothes and cleaned your feathers was just annoying.

Nixie barely heard Alynna say something about other fruit. "I-I'm sorry I normally don't let the fruit supply get this low... Il head into town after the circus closes up and get some fruit... Maybe I could even get some papaya's or pineapples." Nixie felt embarrassed as if she'd been caught not doing her job. And all for the sake of fruit. Nixie looked around her cooking duties were done for now everyone was eating or sitting at the table even Ash had come out of her hiding place. Nixie jumped toward the older half spider lady and wrapped her arms around her. "Good morning Ash! I think you needed a hug so tada!" Nixie now feeling accomplished flapped her little head wings that was until she noticed the clock... And realized she was late doing her other chores! Wide eye'd she quickly said her goodbyes said why she was leaving and ran out of the main tent trying to think about what she had to do first!

Alynna hugged Brink before she ran off to let Julius know the great news. She stopped when didn't see him near his caravan. "I'll have to go bathe...I'll let him know later." She said to herself, before trotting off to her caravan. Looking around she found her show clothes, grinning she wrapped them in the cloak she usually wore, and pet her beautiful black kitten. "Hey Moshe bear...." She'd coo before opening the door. The little kitten meowed before scurring out the door. It had taken her an arm and a leg to convince Brink to let her keep it, finally she had used the 'black cat magician card' before Brink finally agreed. Shaking her head, she'd pat her leg and start walking to the lake to bathe herself off, she hated smelling like sweat and sleep.

Not noticing anyone was nearby she quickly stripped down and waded into the lake. Moshe hesitantly walked to the bank of the lake before meowing and running off. "Moshe!" Alynna shouted before she realized that Julius and Derrick were down the shore. Shaking her head she'd lower herself to only her shoulders were showing in the water. She'd forgotten that Julius said he was going to bathe. She'd close her eyes and let her body relax, that was the important thing, relaxing before her show.

Smirking to himself he'd run up to Julius and give him a friendly nuzzle. Looking back he'd give a meow to Alynna before looking back up at Julius. Noticing Derrick, he'd rub against his leg, wrapping his tail around the boy's calf. He'd give the persona he was a real cat before running off. He wanted to hang with the guys, and not while he was a cat. As soon as he got out of Alynna's eye shot, his body started shifting and twitching and shimmering, fur dissolved off his whole body. Bones broke and stretched until he looked like a normal boy... well not exactly normal, but almost normal. His two black ears peeped above his black hair, while his tail stuck out from his outfit. Like any other guy, his outfit were black skinny jeans with a black shirt, and a bright red collar with a bell on it. His feet were bare, as he padded back over to the guys. "Hey...er... what are you guys doing here?" His tail flicked and wiggled happily as he talked to them both.

His eyes drifted down to Alynna making sure she was OK ....she seemed fine. He treated her like he was an older brother, though she was only a year older than him. He was used to playing the older brother part, though his sister only past a few months ago. He didn't want Alynna knowing that her assistant was her pet cat, the one she fought so hard to keep...he didn't know how she'd feel about that. "So I'm quite excited to see your performances tonight... Alynna's outfit.. is amazing..." He'd continue talking, since he was the one who picked out her outfit for the night. In fact anyone who came to him with wardrobe problems, he was happy to help.

He was unaware that Julius and Alynna were working together in the same performance, if he knew that, he'd probably change her whole wardrobe. "Julius... I was curious... if you're performing tonight... do you want to try taming a wild Panther?" He'd smirk as he talked about his newest form, one that no one had seen from him yet.

"Following me? That wasn't what I was getting at, but good to know," He said, chuckling under his breath as he relinquished the waistcoat to its rightful owner. The sun was setting further now, casting brilliant reds and oranges on the landscape, the shadows of the trees dancing across the lake, shadowed leaves swaying gently with the wind. He was wide awake now, the dip in the lake having woken him up from his half-slumber, water still dripping insistently from his curls and down the tip of his nose.

He didn't bother to be surprised when Derrick threw his arms around him, planting a sound kiss on his cheek, instead smiling fondly. My, but Derrick was being affectionate today. Which was, in retrospect, a good sign considering Julius had completely soaked his nice, clean outfit (although, how Derrick managed to wear that type of clothing, Julius would never know. Sure, it looked cute on him, but on anyone else it would look ridiculous, especially if the person trying to wear it was, say, 6'3 and more lean muscle then anything.

The quiet moment was broken by a very familiar exclamation from the lake. Julius whirled around, cheeks painted a violent scarlet because, contrary to whatever people believed, he didn't like women catching him in just his underwear. Not that it wasn't just as awkward when it was a boy, per say, but given his upbringing, being caught in his underwear by a girl, even someone who was as close to him as Alynna, was intensely embarrassing. Luckily enough, she was too far out to actually, well, see anything, and the blush vanished as suddenly as it had appeared.

His embarrassment was entirely forgotten when he felt a soft presence nuzzle against his leg before disappearing. He heard the disturbingly familiar sound of bones cracking before, standing before them, was the circus' resident shapeshifter/cat/whatever he was planning on being today.

"Hey there, Mosh," Julius greeted lazily, reaching up and scratching behind one of the cat-boy's ears, just as he would one of his own lions. "I'm not sure if I'm performing tonight, but the boys and girls are always willing to have a new addition to the act." And he was getting excited now, just a bit, at the thought of adding a panther to the show, ideas whirling around in his animal-obsessed head at the proposition. That was, of course, brought to a screeching halt when he noticed Derrick's shift in attitude.

He shouldn't be surprised- he really shouldn't- as the younger boy withdrew back into his typical, snappy personality and began to walk away. Julius let out a sigh and, realized that, yes, his stomach had grumbled quite loudly at the thought of breakfast, and, no, Derrick was certainly not waiting for him. He blew a wet strand of hair from his face, the curl flopping back onto his face limply.

"Wait just a minute, Derrick," He said, the words coming out more as a wheedling request than an order. "I've got to get dressed. I don't think anyone would appreciate me waltzing around the circus in my underwear."

With that, he made his way over to his clean clothes, drying himself as best he could before he slipped on his pants- and, ugh, that was a bit uncomfortable what with his impromptu bathing-suit still wet, but he wasn't changing into dry underwear with an audience(he was a circus performer, not a stripper, thanks). Then, slinging his arms into his typical button-up shirt, toeing on his shoes, and slinging his purple vest over his right arm, was at least vaguely ready to face the world.

"We can talk about the act later, Mosh, once I figure out what I'm doing tonight," He offered cheerily, buttoning up his shirt as he followed behind Derrick who, quite hopefully, had decided to wait up. "See you around."

Moshe purred happily as he got scratched. "I hope so.." He'd murmur before turning to stalk off to the breakfast caravan. "Hope they have steak cooked." He'd mutter softly to himself, his fluffy black tail twitching slightly. As the wind picked up he sniffed a familiar presence. Running into a straight jog, he'd look behind him making sure that Alynna couldn't see him before he transformed into his small tiger form. Giving a playful roar, he'd go and nuzzle Brink playfully before giving Alice a playful swat. If he could he'd hop up in her lap and give her a few playful licks before hoping up to jump on Brink's shoulder, plopping himself down, and stretching across Brinks shoulders, a purr rumbling deep from his throat.

He closed his eyes and would just lay there, his tail twitching casually. Seems tonight would be fun.



Opening her eyes she saw that Moshe had ran off, but Mosh was with the group of boys. Shaking her head, she'd run out of the lake, grabbing her cloak, she'd wrap it around her body. "Julius!" She'd scream, running her feet bare with only her cloak wrapped around her. "Have you seen Moshe? I think... he ran off or something." Her green eyes were wide and full of concern, she loved that kitten to death. It was the only thing she considered family. She'd take a few deep breaths, she wouldn't be able to focus tonight without her kitten. Her aqua hair dripped around her, framing her face, accenting her cheeks, and showing the subtle differences between her eyes and hair colour. "Oh... Brink gave us the ok...for tonight." She'd add on before she forgot. She'd bite her lip, her eyes still scanning for the little black kitten. She wasn't embarrassed with being only in her cloak, that only covered her top, and barley covered her thighs. She knew Julius wouldn't be interested in her like that.

"Have you seen him?" She'd ask her voice full of urgency. "I know we gotta preform soon, but... without that kitten... I can't."

As soon as he heard the words come out of Julius's mouth, Derrick stopped and waited for him. There was no way he could say no to the other boy, he didn't want to say no. The whole entire walking away thing was a bluff anyways, he had hoped very much that his friend would tell him to stay, or even better say that he was coming along. Derrick didn't like Alynna, not with how much time the girl spent with his man. It was like she was pining after him or something, always finding an excuse to be around him or be asking him for something. He sort of just wanted to rip her throat out- that was what fangs were for, right? Faking impatience, he tapped his boot on the grass and crossed his arms. "Hurry up Julius, I'm not going to wait for your butt forever." When the comment about others not wanting to see him walk around in his underwear reached Derrick, he smirked. "Sure, they might not, I can't say the same for myself though." The comment came quietly, but he was sure that anyone listening could have heard it if they chose too.

Once Julius had caught up, Derrick gave him a one over and frowned. "Would you like to stop at your caravan to change?" the boy asked softly, looking bashful. He honestly did feel bad about wrecking his friends bath, and also apparently drawing everyone out to the place where it was supposed to be just Julius and him. Now he was even wrecking his clothes, it couldn't be comfortable to wear pants with your undies soaked. All Julius had to do was say the word, and Derrick would comply and follow him wherever. He wasn't sure if Julius even noticed this though. Sometimes he felt... ignored, maybe, around Julius. Of course, not in the normal way, as Julius was quite giving with his attention for him. But no matter how much he flirted, or how affectionate he was, he got nowhere. He would have preferred Julius to just tell him he wasn't interested than this, it was torture. But his friend just had to notice the change in Derrick when they were alone. Almost abruptly he had shifted back into that shy, awkward child that he always had been around Julius.

That was when everything went to hell again. The girl, Alynna, had made her way to shore and come after him and Julius. Shifting back again- god, this was like split personalities now -, he turned towards the girl, giving a harsh glare. "He went to get some food, obviously." he said flatly, eyes flicking over her appearance. "Go put some clothes on, this isn't a whorehouse." With that, he grabbed Julius's arm and attempted to drag him away and towards the man's caravan, praying desperately that he would follow without protest. "Silly girl," he mumbled to himself, trying to rid her from his thoughts.

"You read my mind," Julius hummed at the suggestion, adjusting his pants slightly when he caught up. The water dripping down his legs was a little chilly at best and the way his underwear was clinging awkwardly now was uncomfortable at worst. The outfit, well, apart from the vest, was a lost cause anyways. Without an available towel(oh, he knew he'd forgotten something when he'd arrived at the lake) his white shirt was clinging just as awkwardly to his torso, water stains on the shoulders from his still dripping hair. Oh, well. It was nothing a quick trip to his caravan wouldn't take care of. In all honesty, he used the place more as a storage locker than anything this time of year, the days just now chilly enough to make a good excuse to stay in the Lion Den to sleep.

"We can get breakfast right afterwards," He promised, smiling down at the shorter boy, laughing slightly as his own stomach made another loud gurgle. Apparently skipping the second meal last night hadn't been a wonderful idea. He patted his empty belly and sighed. "Ugh, I'm hungry enough to-"

No one would ever find out what he was hungry enough to do because that was right when Alynna came running up and out of the water. He blinked once, then twice, before turning his head sharply to the side and towards the sky to avoid looking at her barely clothed form, another more vivid scarlet blush covering his face completely, a strange contrast to his golden hair and green eyes. Because, yes, she was his friend, but oh dear Lord, oh dear Lord, she was most likely naked under that cloak that left little to the imagination. So little. She may not have been embarrassed, but that was all right. He was embarrassed enough for the both of them.

"You don't need to worry, Alynna. I think he went-" He was cut off once more, but this time by Derrick, his words practically dripping with venom(ha. Venom. He stored that little joke away to amuse himself later) as he snapped at Alynna, the whorehouse comment completely uncalled for, state of undress or not. He bit back another sigh. It was going to be one of those nights, wasn't it?

"Yeah, pretty sure he went to the food caravan," Julius confirmed, agreeing with Derrick if not in the way he said it. Then, before things could escalate any further(and, knowing both of them as well as he did, it almost certainly would), instead of being dragged along, Julius simply picked the snake tamer up, slinging the boy over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. It was, sadly enough, not an uncommon move on his part. Whenever Derrick got too "grumpy" as Julius like to put it or "ass-holeish" as everyone else preferred, he'd found that the quickest way to defuse the situation was to simply pick him up, slinging him over his shoulder and effectively giving him something else to be indignant about.

"Come on, sassy pants," He sighed, rolling his gaze heavenward. He used the arm not balancing his unwilling passenger, he gave Alynna a wave(well, her general direction a wave, she was still practically naked after all) and started back towards his caravan.

Derrick's eyes went wide as he was suddenly lifted into the air and thrown over the older- and obviously much stronger -man's shoulder and hauled away. If he was being honest, he was quite happy about the whole situation, knowing that Alynna should now know that Julius was very much his and no one elses. And it wasn't too bad to be picked up by Julius, his hands were after all, only mere inches from his rear. The thought made him blush, and he was happy to know that his friend couldn't see it. Besides, it also meant that he got to keep his Julius all to himself- and he really never was one for sharing what was his. Even if Julius didn't know that he was his... Derrick was quite sure that the rest of the people at the circus found it quite obvious that the snake-tamer had a crush on the Lion Boy. Who didn't? Though he knew he was going to still have to act at least a bit annoyed, just because he was Derrick and didn't let anyone think that they could just get away with something like this. And it probably meant that Julius would continue doing it. "You're getting my 'sassy pants' wet again," he said, voice flat as he slumped against Julius, giving up his- fake -attempts to get free.

"I'm not afraid to bite you," he warned, lips close enough to the others neck that his breath could be felt against Julius' skin. It was almost like flirting, in a completely strange and teasing way. He mostly just figured Julius would laugh and ignore him, as per usual. Whenever Derrick got himself into trouble, his friend was always there to pull him out of it- or more like carry him out of it. And he wasn't really ashamed to admit that he grew a bit of a sharper tongue around him, just because he knew then that Julius would take care of him, and he would get some alone time with his favorite person ever. After running his fangs lightly over the man's neck, he allowed him to carry on without the threat of having his throat ripped out- or venom running through his veins. Actually, considering Derrick had never bitten anyone, he wasn't quite sure if his fangs even were venomous. He wasn't really in the mood to find out though, at least not on Julius. Maybe he would find someone willing... perhaps the spider girl, since she would probably be immune to any type of venom. He would see about it later.

When they reached Julius's caravan, Derrick struggled for a moment until he was allowed out of the males arms, and he quickly entered the others little house without waiting for real permission. "Don't worry, I won't peek." he mumbled, slipping the heeled shoes off at the door before making himself comfortable on the tiny bed. The tiny bed he hoped to snuggle up in with Julius one day, of course. "You wouldn't happen to have like... a shirt I could borrow? Mine is still all wet, and we all know how long it takes me to get dressed." It was true, it took Derrick almost an hour to get ready for the day- night. Sure, he looked fancy- if not a bit odd -but it took quite awhile to get into those clothes. It would be much easier to just borrow one of Julius's shirts, for the time being.

Alynna narrowed her eyes at Derrick, but refused to engage in a battle of wits with him. She was the furthest thing from a whore. "See how you feel should all your snakes disappear." She'd say coolly, before turning on her heel and walking off. She knew Derrick had a crush on Julius, but she wasn't that harsh to say anything. Wonder if Julius knows... The thought passed through her head, wondering if Julius even went that way. She'd give a wave to Julius, "Later Leo..." she called out, because if it wasn't him, she'd probably act cold hearted and get in a shouting contest with Derrick. She'd reach the lake and quickly get dressed in her costume for the night. Mosh was the one who picked it out for her, and she did like how it looked on her. It complimented her curves nicely, and didn't reveal too much, but just enough to keep the men in the crowd attentive to her. Wrapping the damp cloak around her neck, she'd walk off to go to the Big Top.
Walking in the breakfast caravan, she made a detour to grab some more fruit for later, during practice.
In her anger, she didn't realize that she bumped shoulders with Brink. "Oh! Brink! I'm so sorry!" She'd squeak out as the cloak (that was loosly tied anyway) slipped from around her neck and onto the ground. Seems that the nudge gave the cloak the tug it needed to fall off. The tiger around his shoulders would give out a loud growl reminding Alynna there was an animal around Brink's shoulders. She'd blush slightly, she hated revealing her outfits before the show... it was just a bit embarrassing.

"Still... so super sorry..." She'd give a polite wave to Alice and motioned to her outfit
"What do you think? Good for tonight's show?" She'd ask, happy that this outfit went well with her hair color, seems she always wore black and silver because that was all that she thought went with it.

Synthia smiled at Ash "good to hear, and yeah last night was a bit chilly, I got goosebumps all over from dozing off under a tree" she leaned back in her chair a bit. One of the legs breaking she fell back eyes going wide tried to grab the counter but her attempt failed hugely, she hit her head on something. As well as hitting her head on the ground she blinked a few times to get rid of the stars floating around her head and sat up and picked up the chair. She moved it and grabbed a different chair sitting back down when Alynna walked in bumping into Brink, rubbing the back off her head looking at her outfit. It seemed just like her and looked nice on her as well "nice outfit Alynna" she looked down at the counter where her food was. She didn't want to start eating it anymore, she was hungry sure but she wasn't sure if she wanted to until her performance was done. Which reminded her she wanted to ask Alynna if she wanted to do something in her performance. She needed someone pretty to be her assistant, looking up at Alynna "Alynna, I wanted to ask if when you are done with your performance if you would like to be my assistant I need someone really pretty to be part of it. Your not scared of knives are you?" she felt a little bit dizzy but she knew taking a small walk outta fix it real quick. She wonder if Alynna would ignore her until she finished talking to Brink, she hadn't meant to talk right after but she didn't hear her. She only knew she had after she spoke, looking at Brink quickly with the tiger around his shoulders, she wondered when it got there.

Looking back at Alynna her expression was like a hopeful child, she really wanted Alynna to be part of her act because than people might look more to see if the pretty person got hurt. She had enough confidence in her skills that she wouldn't hurt Alynna, it was the reason for practicing so late without giving time for dinner in the morning. She was used to the schedule already for the circus, had been used to it for years because of how long she had been part of it.

Firmly holding onto the counter again so she wouldn't fall again, she wouldn't be surprised if Alynna said no to it not many people liked having knives thrown in their direction. She looked down as if knowing Alynna's answer, wondering why she even bothered to ask, she sat in her chair perfectly still and than held her head just a bit. Looking down at the table, she sighed and saw one of her knives had fallen out of her pouch seeing as she was clumsy with everything else a bit except when she was preforming. Onstage was like feeling true bliss over and over, leaning over she grabbed her kinfe quickly wipped off the diry and put it in her pouch with the others.