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It was a loud night in the palace, nobles from across the country filling every hall. Royals sat at their thrones and chatting with other wealthy people. It seemed to be another celebration Clown didn't care for. He sat numb in his seat, waiting for something interesting to happen. It always does here. Somehow. Either something dumb and filled with idiocy, or something life-changing to the crowns. Mostly the first option. But that didn't seem to be the case tonight.
The only thing happening was his parents flaunting him as the only prince to the crown, and how he was a warrior, yadda yadda. But behind his mask, he was staring and silent, looking beyond the windows. Then he saw it. The smallest of movements before it turned into a dash.
Nobody else seemed to see it, but the shadows were dancing in the windows and twisting higher. Up in the high windows, on the roof, climbing on banisters. Because no one looks up, at least not the unknowing. But Clown knows. He has the pattern of the pitter patter on the wood engraved in his head from times long past. He knew the silhouette behind the stained glass, that small grimace after a slip, the overconfident grin Clown could just picture on his face after he broke in. He knew it all too well, the sound of the royals' greatest enemy. And Clown's only actual acquaintance.
"Apologies, but I must go," he stated, securing his mask onto his face as he stood up straight. His strides were long as he walked, full of purpose and determined to find the intruder. The one who somehow always finds a way back to him, Branzy. His favorite thief.
It wasn't a long walk to the far back of the castle, the nobles seemed to gravitate towards the front; where the king and queen resided. Probably hoping to snag riches off their necks or beg a favor. Pathetic. Clown saw the shadow up high, in a windowsill and hiding. Exactly where he thought he'd be. Hiding. And Clown had a bone to pick. The familiar figure shifted as he sighed, looking directly at each other in the dark.
"Not even going to greet me Branzy? That's weak even for you," Clown hissed, arms crossed on his chest and gaze expectant behind the mask. The purple clad figure was still unmoving before an overdramatic sigh and dropping from the ledge. Safe to say he didn't land on his feet with the pained groan he let out and how he's curled up on the floor. He stayed like that before leaning on a wall and trying to smile despite being terrified of Clown. He always has been. Always will be.
"Hey.. Clown. It sure has been a while since I last saw you..."
"You think so??? I waited fifteen years for you, Branzy. And you never came back to me."
"Hey! At least Im here now rather then years later! And in my defense, I was exiled!"
Clown paused and huffed, stepping closer to Branzy and poking a finger into his chest, "And you still committed more then enough crimes to deserve it. Even I can't protect you from that, Branzy." Clown was seething with his own rage, almost boiling over in it all before just stopping and waiting. And oh boy, Clown was not going to be patient today. ..But it was Branzy. His closest thing to ever having a friend. So he had to be just a little lenient.
But Branzy was fucking shaking in his boots bro, shaking, quaking, terrified, of this one man. The greatest fighter in the realm. Branzy's childhood friend. The man with the most intimidating stare, even with no visible eyes. Clown. The prince.. oh, his beloved prince... "I- uh... How about we go to the courtyard? Catch up on what I missed and whatever else happened! Just a chance to redeem myself, if I may have the honor Clown?" Branzy then bowed and set out a hand for Clown to take, trying to be formal as a wanted criminal could.
Clown wasn't even surprised by now, rolling his eyes behind the mask and taking Branzy's hand. They walked together in silence for a few minutes, but it looked like Clown dragging Branzy on the stony floor of the castle. Guards watched but didn't question, court fool giggling when he saw the pair pass. The courtyard doors were unguarded because I said so and snow was lightly falling, a sheet already covering the ground in pure white. The few tree scattered were dusted a few inches of snow on every leaf, it was peaceful out here. No people, no sound, just Clown and Branzy. Standing there, watching the soft snow like it was a new sight.
"Do you still dream of forever? Of you and I, hand in hand," Clown murmured to Branzy, just watching snowfall and gray skies. "Or has reality stolen that fancy from your mind? The alure of your criminal life and danger has stolen you from me," he whispered, finally looking at Branzy through a static mask.
"I don't think I've ever chosen anything over you Clown, not by my choice. I chose to escape a guillotine not for my own life, but to make you see I wouldn't leave. Still got exiled though, so I guess I failed that."
"... You are a fool, Branzycraft. The greatest fool I've ever known. But, I find myself.. 'grateful' for your madness." Clown walked into the courtyard, knowing Branzy will trail behind him. His boots made heavy imprints in the snow, crunching and soft hums escaping the duo as they treaded on.
"Well..." Branzy started, cautious with his tone. "Do you think you would spare a fool a dance..?"
Clown stopped in his place just to stare at Branzy, debating his options in his head. "I should refuse you. I should have you dragged from my sight, thrown into the dungeons to rot. Is that not the punishment for thieves? For those who dare try to steal the heart of a prince?" Clown huffed out, looking directly at Branzy.
"But I find myself... unwilling to let you go."
Clown then grabbed one of Branzy's hands in one of his gloved ones, placing his other on Branzy's hip, and Branzy's on his shoulder. "I should hate you, Branzycraft. I should despise you for the chaos you bring. For the way you make me feel... alive. More so then any fight or war. But, I guess the adrenaline you give is thrilling..."
Clown then started to sway the two of them in a slow dance, one he had promised long years ago, when he first promised Branzy his heart. "But I cannot find it in myself to hate you. I will not." Clown spun Branzy out, a small yelp leaving the former before he was pulled back into Clown's arms, albeit this time tighter and closer, like Clown wouldn't let him leave again.
"But I will find myself to love you, criminal. I have before and I'll do it a thousand times over."