Chapter Text
Branzy thought he’d long since grown accustomed to Clown’s nature.
The jester made a habit of looming in silent observation while Branzy rooted about in the casino’s redstone, adjusting repeaters or fixing where lines of the dust had broken apart. If he were to look back, the redstoner was certain he’d find Clown lazily leaning against a wall, arms crossed over his chest with his head tilted in that one angle that allowed him to see best from the eyeholes of his mask.
It used to unnerve him.
Well, granted, it still did- Clownpierce was not one to be underestimated, even if allied. Despite this, Branzy had learned to adjust to the sensation of eyes boring into his being and feeling on edge with his attention perking at each minute noise.
He’d adjusted to Clown.
…Branzy almost made himself chuckle at the thought- be it naivety or obliviousness that brought him to trust lifesteal’s ‘most deadly’, he was left with his life in Clown’s hands.
The reminder of being very actively wedged into the circuitry of the casino’s roulette wheel was what broke him from the trance. Certainly, Branzy would prefer not to send any accidental signals and turn the machine haywire in his lack of attention.
It was almost second nature how he flitted along the redstone track, mindlessly drawing back toward the entryway where Clown stood- his already red-stained fingers became even more deeply dyed by the powder being manipulated by his cautious touch.
Once in the past, Branzy could recall Rek’s amused wondering whether gunpowder would be lit in his grasp.
…Unfortunately, it could. At least he knew now to wash the dust from his hands before he attempted to add any tnt to traps- though throughout it all, the red tinge never fully left, clinging to the skin of his fingertips.
His breath hitched as a hand found its way onto his shoulder, Branzy tilting his head back to see the white porcelain of Clown’s mask above where he knelt.
“ You’ve been at it all morning, Branzy. Let’s take a break. “
The gloved hand slipped off of his shoulder, instead being held out- an offering for Branzy.
Only a moment passed before he grinned, taking the hand to pull himself up. Branzy could feel the cold skin beneath the fabric, the sharp claws reminding him of the demonic nature of the man that he stood before. Even when he was firmly up on his two feet, their hands remained intertwined for a moment longer.
Until Branzy recognised that he was, in fact, holding Clownpierce’s hand and pulled back with an embarrassed blush and a swiftly muttered apology. “ Yeah, I suppose I got a bit carried away- but I’m finished anyway! “ His gaze quickly scanned the redstone to confirm, nodding to himself as they moved back so Branzy could block up the passageway again.
“ So, what did you have in mind, Clown? “
The violet gaze returned to the jester, noticing how Clown’s gaze was torn between himself and the powdery red now dusting his gloves. “ Oh. Sorry about that- it should wash off- “ Branzy was cut off. “ It’s fine. Most of my clothes are stained with blood already. “
He could almost detect something like… fondness in Clown’s voice- but, convinced his mind was playing tricks, Branzy ignored it and muttered another, quieter, apology as he shuddered with the reminder of the jester's casual ruthlessness
Surely he was just trying to not lash out, Clown had to be angry that his gloves were now stained- Branzy made quick work of wiping the remainder of the redstone onto the fabric of his vest (he’d surely cringe later) so, at least, he wouldn’t transfer any more red stains to objects.
The jester's head shifted back up, turning to Branzy. The shadowed sight of vibrant eyes sent flutters of fondness through the redstoner. “ My original plan was scamming more people out of their hearts- “ He paused long enough for Branzy to laugh, “ but how about something calmer? I’ll get us some food and we could fish. Have you ever fished before, Branzycraft? “
Branzy held in another snort at the full name but shook his head. “ Never successfully. “
“ Perfect, then! Change to something less…redstone-y and meet me at the entrance to the casino in ten minutes. I’ve got fishing rods already. “
Branzy nodded, slipping away to do so as Clown turned to rummage through their chests for food and the aforementioned tools.
Perhaps he should be questioning why Clownpierce of all people, the deadliest PVPer, was wanting to teach him how to fish- but his trust and the butterflies churning in Branzy’s stomach settled any doubts with ease.
Perhaps, he could. But for now, he might as well absorb what comfort and companionship he can until…if Clown chooses to stop.