Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Pomni wakes that morning to a rattling bed and a horn that almost bursts her head.

The bells on her hat jingle in unison from across her room, and she sees toy blocks and other belongings fall to the ground with a thump. It’s meant to be their free day. The day that Caine gives them a break from an adventure. For just one day once in a while. She was looking forward to this.

She hears Zooble’s voice muffled through the walls, “What the fuck?”

She knew it was too good to be true. Caine was working them like dogs — in the name of fun, of course. That’s what it had always been. So, full with distain, Pomni managed to push herself out of her warm covers. The air was colder than usual, and she rummaged around for her one piece in the dark.

By the time she made it to the lobby, Pomni was the last one to arrive. Many were still in their pyjamas, bar Zooble and Gangle, who didn’t seem to have a reason for clothes. Pomni envied them at times.

“My delicious deviants!” Caine flew in the air in the shape of an ‘O’ before coming back to just about floor level, “I have an adventure for you!”

The sofa was taken by Ragatha and Gangle respectively. Zooble stood beside the latter with an unhappy look. Kinger hovered near his bundle of clothes, yet near enough to listen to what was going on. It was Jax who stood back by some coloured wall, arms crossed bitterly. He was dressed for the day, so she wasn’t particularly overdressed either. Her eyes glanced to Ragatha who was wearing an oversized pink sleeping dress, before glancing back to the rabbit.

Pomni and Jax didn’t particularly get along, at least, she didn’t think they did. While he was probably less physically mean to Pomni (compared to Gangle and Ragatha), his words still held venom. He’d glare and roll his eyes, and she wasn’t sure they had a genuine conversation in months. Whenever she thought she was taking a step forward with Jax, it was like two steps backwards. And because of this, Pomni decided that trying to bond with Jax was a losing battle; where he’d always retaliate with sarcasm and untrustworthiness.

And Pomni is okay with that. She has other friends. Ragatha is a delight to be around, she appreciates how honest Gangle is, and Zooble is quite funny. She’s even accidentally called Kinger ‘Dad’ before — not that they talk about it. She’s unsure if he even remembers. Bottom line — Pomni isn’t short of connection at the circus. So if the outcast doesn’t want to hang out with her, she’s not taking it personally.

“I thought this was our day off,” Zooble had said to Caine, “What’s the deal?”

“The deal,” Caine began, “Is that the Carnation Kingdom needs your help! My hearing Zooble, you would hardly leave the Queen without an antidote, would you?”

Zooble blinked, “What?”

”Exactly. Now, let’s get to it!”

Caine snapped his fingers and the portal appeared in front of them all. Bubble gleamed beside him, smiling big and wide. Pomni wanted to smack the smile off her face.

“Caine,” Jax hissed, “Are you fucking serious?” He walked forward stiffly, still exhausted. He looked like he was still learning how to walk, “You really couldn’t have waited an hour?”

”She’s dying! Everyone, hurry!” Caine roared.

Pomni felt her feet moving on their own. She wasn’t he only one. She saw the equally shocked faces surrounding her as they all starting moving towards the portal. She heard a cry from Gangle before everything went blurry.

And then, of course, they’re where they’re supposed to be.

-

Pomni can sort of understand why Caine was so excited about this adventure. Because he wasn’t lying when he said the AI was suddenly three hundred percent more realistic, if that even made sense. She could smell the morning dew, feeling the breeze so clearly. It was quite beautiful actually, if only she wasn’t sleep deprived.

“Jesus Christ,” Zooble groaned once the group was out of Caine’s sight, “I just wanted to sleep in.”

Jax snickered, “Don’t worry Zoob, you can preserve your energy to brood after we explore this kingdom.”

Zooble gave him a glare, “I wasn’t asking.”

Jax laugh again, lighter this time. He didn’t respond, he only walked on ahead.

They had spawned on this yellow path. It reminded Pomni of The Wizard of Oz — but not. The greenery looked other worldly — like it was from an alien planet. Things that’s mimicked earth remained, but in strange ways. Flowered were scattered amongst the ground as they walked towards tall castle not far from them. It was there they would be escorted to the queen, and told how to save her.

“This will be fun, guys.” Ragatha chirped up, “I know we’re all tired, but Caine seemed to be really excited for this one.”

Jax huffed, “You’re still in your pyjamas.”

“I was excited to sleep.” Zooble muttered.

“We get it, Zooble.” Pomni said. Fuck, was that mean? Surely not. But they kept talking about how tired they were.

”Ha! You gonna take that?” Jax barked at Zooble with amusement, “You just got told off by Pomni.”

“Shit — I’m sorry Zooble. I didn’t meant it like that,” Pomni rushed.

Even if she did mean it — if Jax found it funny, it must have been mean. Zooble seemed unfazed, paying more attention to what Gangle was showing them in their sketchbook. They seemed to nod in acknowledgment to Pomni, before immersing themselves back in conversation. God this was useless.

They did find the palace, it wasn’t a difficult thing to find. It was surrounded by a moat — with a rather impressive draw bridge and its forefront. The walls were a light salmon, with pink accents embedded. Flowers, specifically carnations, were scattered amongst nearly every patch of grass. It was beautiful. In contrast, a loud commotion was heard behind the castle walls. When her ears started ringing, that’s when Pomni knew she was sleep deprived.

“You must be the heroes who have come to save the Queen!” A knight had announced, after Ragatha took it in turn to explain to it why they were here. Jax had suggesting breaking in — but nearly got knocked out by another guard overhearing. He had decided it wasn’t worth the effort.

Inside the palace, the salmon stretched throughout every piece of brick. A cerease carpet complimented the yellowish floors, and a throne was pinpointed at the end of the long hall. Except, the Queen was nowhere to be seen. Instead, what Pomni believed was her adviser, had approached them. He held three books with different covers, with a language Pomni was sure didn’t exist.

“Queen Tahlia,” the adviser began, “Has become critically ill. I need you and your bravery to come together to venture the wood.”

“You can count on us!” Ragatha had smiled, immersing herself in the story.

“How can we help her?” Gangle asked.

The adviser twisted no time to pass a book to her, then to Kinger and then to Pomni.

“Give me that,” Jax had muttered to her.

“What? No.” Pomni whispered, talking low enough to not interrupt the stressed man. He was talking about some flower, the juice that came from it when it was pressed held healing powers, “He gave it to me.”

Jax’s hand appeared at the top of her vision, hand ready to grasp its pages. Panicked, and not wanting to give in, he lifted her right foot and stomped it on his own. Jax yelped, and gripped onto his leg firmly.

“You asshole.” He muttered quietly.

Pomni glared at him, holding the book to her chest, “Ask for one yourself.”

“Are you two alright?” The adviser asked.

They froze like cats being interrupted disrupting property. Jax’s pupils dilated slightly, something Pomni noticed he did before he got back into character. He let go of his foot and shook his head, “Just peachy.”

Pomni bit the inside of her gums, staring at her feet with embarrassment. The adviser went on about how separating would increase their chances of finding Dusk-light flower. That was its name. She wanted to go back to her room and sleep. There was no time for this, and she wasn’t particularly in the mood. However, Pomni had officially fallen victim to ‘if it can smile and talk it must have e a soul disorder’ — where she couldn’t even ignore the AI. Because God, it was so real.

So instead, she nodded along, pretending she had the energy to entertain the story. She felt Jax grin beside her, hunching over his shoulders to be at her level. She pretended not to notice. It was a vain effort.

-

“Right, let’s go this way so.” Pomni said matter of factly.

Jax had insisted they pair up. And Pomni didn’t have much control over the matter under the adviser’s watchful eyes. Their Queen was in danger — this was serious. Kinger and Ragatha had paired almost instantly, admiring the sketched pictures together. Zooble and Gangle were given, Pomni swears they’re a thing. She just can’t prove it.

The duo were on the outskirts of the forest, searching for the dusk-light flower. Jax looked like he could list thirty other things he’d rather be doing. His face contorted, “What? No. We’re going this way.”

He had started walking in the opposite direction. Pomni felt her blood boil. For once she would appreciate if Jax treated her with some respect. She huffed, almost giving in, before turning around herself.

“Well, I’m following what the book says. Suit yourself.” She didn’t need him, she could go herself.

“Are you serious?” Jax dead panned, “Pomni, this isn’t real.”

“I don’t care, I’m going this way.”

She stayed steady on her path, not expecting to see Jax until after the adventure. Then, almost immediately, she heard the sound of footsteps trail behind her. She glanced behind her briefly, and saw Jax’s angry figure following behind her like a child who didn’t get his way. She didn’t know why he was going along with her, but she counted this as a silent victory. To not jinx anything, she said nothing, trotting along the open forest.

This area was full of mushrooms and flowers that weren’t in the book Pomni was given, which made her feel like maybe she had gone the wrong way. Maybe Jax was right. But she didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of that — so instead she played pretend. When Jax asked her what a substance was used for, she came up with an excuse boring enough that he wouldn’t try eating it. And that worked well. They didn’t talk much, Jax wasn’t one for small talk. Or at least, Pomni didn’t think he was. If he was an individual who took part in that, it wasn’t with her. And it certainly wasn’t with the others. Maybe that meant he hated it full stop.

She made brief eye contact with him again, and cursed him internally. All he can fucking do is glare at her. Does he hate her that much? It’s not like she can ask him. To ask him would be a disrespect to herself — because she’s done nothing wrong. She promises to spend time with Ragatha after the adventure, or to talk to Kinger maybe. Take her mind off whatever this is.

“— this called?”

Pomni’s day dream was cut short by Jax’s voice. He was kneeling in front of a tree, his back to her.

“What?” She asked. She blinked herself back to the simulation.

“What’s this called?” He repeated, slightly annoyed.

She walked closer and manoeuvred around him, until she was beside him. A bug like creature sat on Jax’s index finger, seemingly content. She crouched down, studying the bug.

“Oh,” Pomni breathed. She took out her book, hoping the bug would appear in its pages. She skimmed through as the bug moved around Jax’s palm. He seemed entranced, interested in the little movements.

“Well?”

“It’s called, uh —“

“— Ow!” Jax yelped in pain as the bug sprung off him. It had climbed onto his wrist, and a red mark remained, “You little shit. Fuck.”

“Are you okay?” Pomni asked quickly. God, it looked so red. She wondered how much it hurt.

Jax kneeled forward against the tree he was facing, placing his left arm against the tree for support while he held his right close to his chest in despair. He groaned lightly, ears lowering, “Fuck. I think I’m gonna pass out.”

“Oh my God, what do I do?”

Jax rolled his eyes, despite the intense pain he was in, and seemed to turn his head ready to bite back at her. Annoyance laced with sarcasm. His shoulders hunched in an uncomfortable position as his body followed his head, firm. However, when his eyes landed on her, his gaze seemed to soften. Pomni watched as his jaw seemed to lock in place, and his body became rigid. Fuck, was he going to die? No, of course not. They can’t die. They just feel all the pain of dying. How lovely that was.

“Jax,” her voice wavered, “Jax, are you alright?”

“Fuck,” he breathed out deeply, as if relief had washed over him. His body language said different, still tense from the pain. This time, he whispered with a light laugh, “It hurts, Pomni.”

“That’s okay! There must be something in the book to fix this — I am so sorry.” She babbled while swiping through pages in an aimless manner. There had to be something. Flowers and bugs and plants alike scattered its surface, “What’s the pain on a scale from one to ten?”

Before she was finished her sentence, Jax was keeling over. She felt his head reach the nape of her shoulder, and he passed out.

-

When the others found Pomni in her scared state and Jax in his unconscious one, it was enough for them to put their adventure on hold and call for Caine. Unfortunately, their all knowing ruler was nowhere to be found, and made no attempt to communicate with them if he could hear them. Because of this, they decided seek aid from the next ruler they could think of — the queen.

They had found the antidote. Kinger had, that is. A flower had glowed in the dark. Queen Tahlia had offered Kinger to serve with her as King (he politely declined).

Because of their good deed, the Queen agreed to let Jax be looked at by her royal specialists. He was being kept in a room and monitored, while the others were treated to the dinner by the Queen. The food was fake and plastic, but they played along anyways. Queen Tahlia translated the book for group, and explained that what Jax got bit by a Love Bug. Which causes the receiver to fall in love with the first person they lay their eyes on.

“And that must be you!” Queen Tahlia sang gleefully to Pomni, “This is such an honour. We’ve never had someone outside of the kingdom get bitten.”

“You didn’t exist four hours ago.” Zooble muttered.

“What?” Pomni said flatly, “What does that mean?”

“Your friend will now be in love with you!” She grinned as if it were a good thing.

Pomni’s mouth contorted into a smile of disbelief, before her eyes narrowed, “Pfft, right. Okay.”

“Oh, there’s no need to be embarrassed,” the Queen assured, “It’s perfectly natural, many of our kingdoms marriages begin from this.”

Pomni’s head started to spin. Marriage? What the fuck?

“Will he be alright?” Ragatha asked.

The Queen nodded, “Why of course! As long as this one,” she waved at Pomni, “Is in his line of vision, he’ll be perfect!”

Gangle raised their hand, “What do you mean in his line of vision?”

Before the Queen could answer, one of the doctors had come forward. He coughed before explaining, “The side effects differ from one person to the next. But traditionally, the individual who was bitten experiences deep anxiety when the other isn’t around, or at least seen.”

“But I’m sure that won’t be a problem?” The Queen asked, “As you all seem like such good friends. I’m sure you’re together all the time.”

The Queen went on talking, but Pomni wasn’t listening. She thanked her lucky stars that at the end of the day, this was all make believe. But why did it feel so real? It was definitely because of that new AI Caine implemented. She’d have to give him feedback after this. Maybe it’s a little too real.

Even Ragatha, who usually encourages people to take adventures seriously, knows how stupid this all sounds. She nudges Pomni gently, “Let’s just go along with this, Pomni. When Caine zaps us back, we can all laugh about it.”

She feels herself calm down a little after that. Ragatha is right. This is all make believe anyways. So why don’t they have fun?

Jax will wake up in bed and be mortified he passed out, and then he’ll have to live through the Queen expecting him to give a love confession to someone he hates. A smile creeps up on her face and she breathes out a laugh. Yeah, he deserves this.

“Your Majesty,” Pomni said, “When can I see him? To help him feel better?”

She had batted her eyelids and bowed, which received a laugh from everyone but Kinger, who had been reading the books regarding the flowers of the land.

“You’ll want to be there when he wakes up,” replied the doctor by the Queen’s side, “It’ll be a tough moment — just bare with him.”

Pomni nodded — lying through her teeth, “Of course.”

Jax always had fun tormenting them, now she was going to torment him back.

-

The Queen wouldn’t allow anyone else but Pomni and the doctor in the room when Jax awoke, much to Pomni’s dismay. She wanted everyone to watch Jax come to realisation that an AI bug made him unconscious, and that the kingdom would believe he fell for her.

Jax was held in a lavish room. The bedroom alone was the size of their bedrooms. It was painted coral, with wide, long windows. A balcony was positioned just a little to the left of the bed. It was framed by long, flowy curtains, decorated with lace. It was quite beautiful. The Queen had style — or Caine, that is.

“He should wake up any moment,” the doctor said, concerned, “I think it’s best if you held his hand.”

Held his hand? Jesus Christ Pomni wishes she could record this. She could already imagine the way he’d recoil when he woke up. How confused he’d be. He’s not even in his dungarees anymore — he’s in this thing that kind of mimics a hospital gown but also not? Pomni doesn’t care enough to study it.

She walks up to the ride side of the bed, where a stool has already been placed for her. She sits down on it, and in one quick motion, claps Jax’s left hand above her own left hand. Then, she places her right hand his. Trapped from both angles. Perfect.

The doctor gives a content nod, before proceeding to pluck something that imitates the look of pollen out of a flower he has by his desk. He rubs it in his hands until it becomes a powder, and then gradually sprinkles it over Jax’s nose. Pomni has to hold back the urge to grip his hand in excitement, she doesn’t want to get in the way. He wakes slowly, sniffing like a bunny. And God, does it take everything in Pomni to not burst out laughing there and then. She’s so full of adrenaline, she’s never been able to fuck with Jax like this before. And it’s what he deserves.

Suddenly, his chest is in the air and his back is off the bed, and he’s heaving deeply. The doctor scrambles for something that Pomni can only assume will be medicine, or some pill, or maybe even another flower. Instinctively, she grips his hand in shock, and that’s when his eyes make contact with hers.

It happens almost instantly. The calmness, his pupils dilating, and his breath steadying. He lays there for a few seconds, and Pomni is waiting for him to yell at her for having clammy hands. When he does speak, it’s soft, “You’re okay.”

Pomni’s brows furrowed, “Wait, what?”

Jax wheezes lightly, still out of breath. His smile is big, “I was worried — I passed out.”

“Yes, I know that,” Pomni’s replied instantly, “You’re the one who got hurt though?”

This is kind of annoying. Can he notice they’re holding hands already. He must be drowsy, maybe the flower pollen here makes you drunk. Like the stupid sauce.

“As long as you don’t get hurt.” He says back, as if it’s the most natural belief in the world. He’s smiling at Pomni in a way she didn’t know he was capable of. It’s a mixture of relief, tiredness — but also fondness. An emotion Pomni wasn’t aware Jax could feel.

Suddenly, it all clicks. Jax is embarrassing her. He’s obviously figured out what was going on and is trying to push her buttons. She clicks her tongue, and supposes she shouldn’t have forgotten that Jax, despite his rudeness, has intelligence.

“Okay, okay.” She says finally. She lets go of his hand, and glances back at the doctor as if they’re sharing an inside joke. The man only stares in awe. She turns back to Jax, “You can stop the show now, we’re going back to the others.”

“What?” Jax frowns, hand reaching up to her shoulder. He holds the fabric delicately, as if she would break under his fingertips, “Can’t we stay like this? A little longer?”

Pomni’s eyes trace the fingers that are holding onto her shoulder sleeve, and then go back to Jax, “What are you doing?”

He looks like a deer caught in headlights. His hand shoots back to his side, rejected, and his body tenses, “I’m sorry I — I should have asked to touch you. I know you don’t really like touch.”

What in the actual fuck was going on? How did Jax know that? Before Pomni could make room to ponder that question, she asked the more obvious one, “Why do it in the first place?”

“Because I like feeling you.” Jax said simply. There was no malice or ill intent in his tone, just factual actuality. He seemed embarrassed when saying it, eyes not meeting hers. Pomni felt her stomach do a flip, she wanted to get sick.

“Jax, I know that love bug did not affect you, you can stop playing with me now.”

“What do you mean, love bug?” Jax asked confused, “Was that the bug we saw earlier?” He paused. He genuinely looked helpless, like a puppy. Then Pomni realised what was happening. The bite had affected him. Caine’s AI was so much stronger. Jax was going to be mortified when they got back to the circus. He might even kill Pomni, but she decided to have fun with this.

“Oh my God, you’re being serious, aren’t you?” She asked, in a hopeless tone.

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing, it’s okay. I promise.” She lied, taking advantage of her newfound power. Jax gave her this smile of relief, of trust, and she found the situation even funnier. However, she said to herself she wouldn’t be too mean. She was going to ask him some questions, and be done with it. Have some blackmail material at best, and one liner ideas at worst.

“How are you feeling?” She asked suddenly changing the subject.

“Alright,” Jax replied while shrugging, “Neck hurts like a bitch, though.”

Pomni found herself chuckling, “Your neck? Why?”

Jax rolled his eyes. Not in an annoyed with Pomni way, more like annoyed with the situation, “No clue. But God I’m excited for my own bed. This is a pain.” He blinked, “Oh my God, why am I wearing a sheet?”

Pomni laughed loudly at his realisation. All he did was look at himself in confusion, “Who undressed me? Who saw me?” He asked, ”Tell me it wasn’t you. Please.” He looked to be pain. Looks like there was some real Jax in there after all.

“It wasn’t me.” Pomni laughed, wiping genuine tears from her eyes, “I swear.”

“Thank God,” Jax sighed, sinking into his uncomfortable pillow, “I do not want the first time you see my junk to be when I can’t remember it.”

That shut Pomni up. She paused for a second to meet his gaze, but he had already realised the implications of what he said. He was staring at his lap bashfully.

“I — I’m sorry. I just missed you.” He whispered, “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

Pomni raised an eyebrow, unimpressed, “Jax — you don’t mean any of this. You’re basically under a love spell.”

She lifted herself up off the stool, relinquishing herself from his careful grasp. He frowned.

“No I’m not,” he relied sternly, “I feel this way all the time.”

His posture straightened, and his ears perked up as if he were on high alert. She searched for some flicker of humour in his eyes, but was only met with sternness. This simulation was a force to be reckoned with.

“Right,” she sang, “Explain the attitude then?”

“It gets your attention, doesn’t it?” He asked innocently, as if it were everyday news, “You look at me.”

Pomni squinted her eyes for a second, “I cannot wait to repeat this back to you later.”

Jax only stared at her with that innocent look again. It was starting to make her feel bad. For both of their sakes, she decided they had to get back to the circus. She offered a hand to help Jax out of the over made bed, “Let’s get you home.”

-

Pomni had enough bribery to use on Jax for probably the next year. Which was already a surplus, since she’d only known the guy six months. So that technically means she gets bragging rights for twice the amount of time she’s actually known him. Sweet.

When they had come back to the group, there was an uneasiness in the air. The Queen was with them, which probably explained it. She was expecting a delusional lovey dovey couple, when she should have actually been coming to terms with her own delusions of grandeur. However, they’re not really delusions if they come true — and that was exactly what was happening. Jax had left the room with Pomni to meet the others in the west wing hall. He almost seemed normal now. For a split second, Pomni thought he was just really going along with the joke. But she’d catch him slip up, his eyes would linger on her a second longer than she was used to. Hilarious.

“Hey guys,” she said calmly, as if everything was normal. Because everything was. Jax was just being messed around by the simulation right now. It would die down soon, “Her Majesty was right, he’s in love.”

Heads turned almost in unison. Kinger skimmed through pages of the book, “Seems about right.”

“Are you two joking?” Zooble asked, “I can never tell when you’re being sarcastic.”

They were standing near a door that led to a beautiful patio outside. Luscious green fields spread far. And if Pomni’s eyes didn’t deceive her, she could see something that mimicked a beach far away enough. The sky, was now a light pink. It looked as if it were painted by dusk, complimented by yellows and purples alike. Eventually, she took her attention off the view, and brought it back to the others. Ragatha stood closest to the opening in the wall, seemingly just been taken away from it. Gangle and Zooble stood only a metre or two away from her. Kinger stood beside the Queen, though Pomni doubts that was his decision.

“Oh, I’m being serious,” Pomni retorted, “Jax, who’s your favourite person in the whole wide world?”

“You.” He answered like you asked him the time. He even had the audacity to look a bit offended.

Zooble laughed, really laughed. Ragatha stood by, confused but amused.

“That’s so cute,” Gangle said brightly, but then her tone shifted low, “You’re going to die later, though.”

Pomni shrugged, eyes glancing to Kinger still reading, and then back to the red ribbons, “Maybe, but it’ll be worth it, won’t it?”

“My heroes,” the Queen began, “Let me give you my final thanks for saving me from death’s doorstep. I am eternally grateful. And you,” she turned to Jax and Pomni, both closer than Pomni would like to admit, “If you need any guidance in regard to your newfound joy, please do not hesitate to visit.”

Pomni and Jax nodded doubtfully, knowing that they would probably never see the Queen again. It wasn’t often Caine repeated adventures. Though she would love if they did, Jax would be absolutely mortified.

“The portal’s back up,” Ragatha explained, “So we can go back now if you want. Unless you want —“ he looked towards Jax, ”Him, all over you.”

Pomni grimaced, “Funny.”

Except Jax didn’t look amused at all. He looked hurt. Pomni ignored it, knowing none of it was real anyways. So why care? He always made a conscious effort to make their lives harder on these adventures, this was simply pay back. Besides, there was no proof that he still wasn’t faking it.

And so, they left. They left through the giant, glistening doors. A drawbridge was lowered slowly, and they all waited patiently. Pomni would admit, it was quiet without Jax’s usual quips and jabs. A bit too quiet. But to admit that would be admitting she noticed his absence, and that wasn’t something his ego needed.

The others had walked slightly ahead once they left the kingdom grounds, no doubt to have Pomni bask in her embarrassment of the situation. Even though she’d come out on top, it was still weird to have Jax look at her like she was his world.

“I didn’t like what you did earlier,” Jax mumbled quietly beside her.

The sun had disappeared now, and the sky was a deep purple. Bright enough to see without a light, but not for long. The portal stood as a beacon on the outskirts of the forest.

“What?” Pomni asked.

“The joke you made in front of everyone,” his arms had wrapped around himself, and he wouldn’t look her in the eye, “You asked me that question to embarrass me.”

“I — I did.” Pomni confirmed, almost feeling guilty, “But you do the same to all of us. You do it to me all the time.”

Jax went quiet for about half a minute, before speaking up, “I’m sorry I do that to you — I just wanted to let you know how I was feeling.”

Since when did Jax like to be open with his emotions? Since he was bitten by some AI bug, of course. She felt this lump in her throat, an uncomfortable feeling lingering her stomach. Pomni sighed, “I’m sorry for embarrassing you.”

Soon they were at the portal, and the others walked through with urgency. Everyone was exhausted, and were looking forward to the well deserved day off that they assumed would be tomorrow. Pomni prayed that Caine would do maintenance tomorrow. She could lock herself in her room, and then Jax couldn’t try attacking her.

Jax seemed to perk up a little, at her apology, but he remained hesitant, “Thank you,” he said with earnest. “I love you.”

Pomni choked, “What?”

He really was under a spell.

“Jax, stop giving me more material,” she said while smiling. He was going to kill her, “Let’s go.”

She told by the portal, waiting for him. He smiled at her, and walked up to her side. He then beckoned her ahead, “Ladies first.”

She grinned, “This is so good.”

She felt the world ripple. Jax stood by her side as they disappeared from the colourful forest. Everything went black.

Chapter Text

Pomni nearly always felt sick when going through Caine’s whirlwinds of portals.

It reminded her of her human life, where she was prone to airsickness. It stopped her from flying on multiple occasions — but she couldn’t help it. It made her head spin, and her stomach churn. And sometimes she got intense vertigo. Except in the circus, it only lasted five seconds, and then the feeling was gone. So, she supposed she could easily live with that. Especially when it meant she was closer to her bed. The light was blinding for only half a second, before her eyes adjusted to the change of scenery.

Everyone was waiting by the portal entrance, with small smiles. It took her a moment to realise why. And then she remembered what happened on their adventure.

Pomni couldn’t blame their curious eyes, and impatient postures as they went through the portal. Jax’s realisation would be hilarious, and why would she begrudge them of such a joy? He was still firmly by her side when they walked, and Pomni found herself tensing in anticipation. Waiting for his outburst. But it doesn’t come.

“My heroes!” Caine had beamed, flying through the air towards them, “How was your adventure? A trusted adviser informed me you saved the Queen!”

He had spun in a circle, his coat swaying in different directions. Pomni wasn’t sure if that was actually possible, or maybe the fact that Caine was this all powerful being had something to do with it. Ragatha, who had been staring at her, diverted her attention to back to Caine. She nodded, “Yep. She was super nice!”

“That’s not all that happened,” Zooble snickered with their arms crossed. Their gaze landed on Jax before continuing, “Your AI is so powerful now, Caine.”

If Caine wasn’t just teeth and eyes, she’d swear she saw him blush, “Why thank you, Zooble. It’s not everyday you’re satisfied with my work!”

“Caine,” Pomni said awkwardly, “It’s too powerful. Really.”

She seemed to have lost a lot of the confidence she had garnered in the Carnation Kingdom. Partly because she wasn’t playing make believe anymore, mostly because Jax was probably seething with rage just behind her. Feeing courageous, she decided to just turn around for a moment, just to get a feel for the situation. She’s surprised when Jax is standing there as normal, as if nothing is wrong. Maybe he doesn’t remember anything? Fuck, that’s probably even worse.

His eyes land on her, and he lowers back to reach her eye level. Pomni jumps.

“You okay?” He asks quietly behind Caine’s babbling.

She lifts her head to him, confused, “I’m — fine. Thank you?”

His eyes soften, “Okay. Good.” He pauses, “Was just making sure.”

He lifts up again, straightening his posture. Pomni is suddenly very aware of their height difference, and is wondering how much power she’d need to put in a push to knock him over if she had to run.

“Any constructive criticism?” Caine beams at them all.

“Jax was bitten by some bug,” Gangle tells him. Pomni can only tense, feeling as if she were the cause.

Caine turns towards Jax, tilting, “How did it feel?”

“Hurt like a bitch,” Jax admitted, “But I feel no different.”

“You remember?” Pomni squeaked.

“Of course I do,” he responded, giving her a look of confusion, “What made you think I didn’t?”

“Well — I don’t know.” Could have been the fact he wasn’t attacking her. That must have been it.

“She doesn’t want to get murdered.” Zooble laughed, “Why are you not going ape shit?”

Jax’s eyebrows furrowed, his shoulders hunching. He looked almost angry, “Why would I?”

“Because of your love for Pomni.”

“I — I do love her,” He stammered, he sounded insulted. But that was enough for everyone to go silent. Pomni’s neck turned so fast she felt it pinch. It seemed like it was enough for Zooble to nearly fall on Gangle with laughter. Gangle barely caught them, having to wrap her ribbons around their body. Ragatha had allowed a smile to creep upon her face, but still didn’t believe him. Pomni could tell. Even Caine froze, eyes bulging slightly.

“What type of bug?” He squeaked. He held his cane tightly by his side, eye twitching.

“A love bug,” Kinger interrupted, “Funny little things, they are. Did you know they grow back their limbs like lizards? There was an overpopulation issue a few years ago and —“

He just kept talking. Pomni felt her eyes and everyone else’s just slowly fixate on Kinger. He spoke on the topic as if he had been studying for years. Her head hurt, this had to be a bad dream.

“How do you know all of this?” Caine asked, almost impressed.

Kinger blinked, pulling out a book from seemingly thin air, “I read it.”

He had said it as if it were common knowledge, an obvious. But everyone had stared at him like he was speaking gibberish. Of course Kinger could understand the text. How the fuck could he? She didn’t know. But there was no point in asking. So she didn’t. She accepted defeat.

“Ah,” Pomni said out loud, “I’m glad someone did.”

“What does that mean?” Jax had finally found his voice, “Did you not read the book?” Fuck. For someone who’s meant to be in love with her, he’s still rude.

“Well,” Pomni coughed, “It was in another language, like, not a real one. I was kind of basing it off pictures.”

“So you were just making shit up?” He’s not annoyed, he finds this funny. He looks like he’s trying not to smile. It embarrasses her more.

“Not exactly,” she said, “The pictures were fairly descriptive.”

“I didn’t know Jax was capable of having a civil conversation,” Zooble said with amusement. Gangle stood beside them, smiling in suit. “It’s quite nice.”

He glared, “Wasn’t talking to you, was I?” He looked normal. This was how Jax spoke to people. How he looked at them, not how he had been staring at Pomni.

Caine watched in silence, head (teeth?) turning comically to whoever was talking at the time, ”Bubble.” He yelped, “Grab some pen and paper.”

Bubble flew down in a fluid motion, as if going down a slide. A clipboard in front of her, a pen floating to her left side. She started scrubbing frantically, like she knew what was going on already.

Caine fixed his collar, gleaming with pride, “I have clearly outdone myself, here.”

The scribbles of Bubble were nearly louder than him. The group watched in dismay as Caine treated the interaction like a science experiment. Jax had clicked his tongue, and walked forward.

“Can we stop acting like I’m sick?”

“You’re sick with love.” Zooble replied.

”Done!” Bubble sang. Caine nodded with enthusiasm, encouraging her to turn the clipboard around. It composure turned sour rather quickly.

“This isn’t a time for drawings, Bubble.”

“This is what I think they’d be like, though?” Bubble argued.

Jax ignored their conversation, attention on Zooble, “Not for you, that’s for sure.”

”Ouch, that stung,” The other laughed. They were clearly having the time of their life.

Pomni was glad someone was, because she simply wasn’t. Jax had looked in her direct line of vision, with a bewildered look on his face. It was like he had expected her to stand up for him.

“It’s alright everyone, Caine can fix this!” Caine had announced, doing a little bow in the air and he drew out his words. Bubble was writing on a new piece of paper now, the previous rolled over the board and folded. Pomni could remnants of a drawing filtered through it. She cringed.

“Watch this!” Caine boomed.

That caught Pomni’s attention. She stared at him in the air, and waited. Soon, all were. Jax had only blinked with annoyance and stood closer to Pomni. He didn’t touch her, he had just positioned himself in such a way that to look at Caine, Jax would also be in her line of vision. Sneaky.

”Behold! Caine roared with glee, snapping his finger tips.

The book Kinger was previously holding had disappeared with a screeching pop. Like a balloon being popped with a hot needle. Caine had this ability to get rid of anything from an adventure. He had done it with gloinks, he had done it to Gummi Goo, and more. So this made sense.

Everyone jumped initially, before turning to Jax. Pomni felt her fight or flight kick in before she faced him, gearing up for a more than physical fight. So she was surprised when he only looked bored.

“Um,” she stammered, “How are you feeling?”

“The same as before?” He said it with attitude, and a twinge of amusement.

”Caine.”

“Why aren’t you fixed?” Caine said quickly, magicking some book out of thin air. Bubble floated beside him in disbelief, never stopping to take a break from writing. If she was even writing this time. Her clipboard clattered in the air when Caine spoke again, ”Are you fixed?”

“What are you asking?” Jax asked, clearly trying to dodge the question.

“Do you still like Pomni?” Ragatha interjected.

Jax went silent, staring at the floor. Jesus Christ.

“Oh my God, Caine you said you could fix this,” Pomni said. She felt her neck go hot with embarrassment, “What gives?”

“I don’t know,” He had responded like a child being asked too much questions by their mother. Caine, technically speaking, could not pout. But Pomni swears he somehow was, “I did what I usually do.”

“But you didn’t,” she corrected, stepping forward with a pointed finger in the air towards him, “Because he’s still in love with me!”

“I’ll fix this!” Caine cried, with a desperate need for approval, “I’ll go to the kingdom myself.” He then took a breath, and patted down his waistcoat. When he met Pomni’s eyes again, he was calm, “Something is probably wrong in the code. We’ll get this fixed in no time!”

Pomni couldn’t find anything in herself that said to believe him. He didn’t know what he was doing, and it was fairly evident. While he was now calm, his earlier panic meant something. She brought her attention to bask, before mentally face palming. To give him attention is feeding his delusions.

“We should stay apart,” she said flatly, “I don’t beed a death warrant on my head when you’re back to normal.”

“If the victim cannot see their lover, they will experience excruciating pain!” Kinger chirped, like a robot reading from a prompt. He had the audacity to smile. Or, his version of it. His eyes rose lightly, full of glee.

“I don’t care,” Pomni whined, avoiding eye contact with Jax, “What am I supposed to do? Sleep with him?”

Gangle coughed, softening a laugh, “Well —“

”No,” Pomni bit, “I am not humouring you, here.”

The crowd went quiet.

“Probably,” Caine mumbled under his breath. He was skimming through the book Kinger had before, licking his finger with each page turn, “Kinger, how did you repeat that word for word?” He squinted down at the writing before looking at the chess piece again, “How did you understand this?”

Kinger was now staring at the wall, seemingly having a conversation with it. Caine had sighed, glancing to Bubble, “Guess he’s no use.”

“Does anyone care about how I feel here?” Jax asked.

“Okay!” Caine clapped loudly, sending an echo through the area, “I am going to do something research. And you,” he pointed to Pomni, “Do not let that rabbit out of your sight. I need to know its effects and need your feedback, after all!” And just like that, he disappeared as soon as he arrived.

Pomni felt her stomach get heavy, and her ears burn. She was so angry. But she wasn’t in the mood to have a tantrum in front of the others either.

“Right.” She said. She blinked before turning to face Jax, who was already staring at her.

“You hungry?” He asked, as if everything was normal. They didn’t even get hungry. Pomni only ate when she wasn’t nostalgic. Right now, she wished for the time she didn’t have someone she hates practically up her ass.

Pomni squints up at him, searching for any mockery or trickery in his gaze. She finds none. She’s not sure if that bothers her even more. Before sighing, she accepts her defeat, “Sure,” she says, rubbing her eyes with both hands. Maybe it’ll wake her up. When she doesn’t wake up, and is met with the world having a blue hue, she can only nod, “Let’s go.”

-

She had done everything she possibly could to avoid Jax after that. Seventeen bathroom breaks, four private conversations with Ragatha and one time she tried hiding in a closet. She had noticed things she didn’t even want to notice, because she and Jax were not friends. She didn’t need to notice little things about him. How his foot tapped the floor when impatient, how his pupils got smaller when he was focused, and how absolutely insufferable he was when he was trying to talk to someone who very much didn’t want to talk to him.

Pomni had seen it happen plenty with Ragatha, with Zooble, with everyone. Hut funnily enough, Jax had steered clear from Pomni when it came to mindless small talk, before. She was never insulted by it, if anything she was relieved. Jax had made an effort to show he didn’t care about anyone, and Pomni wasn’t about to play house with someone who treated her badly.

Despite everything, it all came to a standstill after dinner, when Jax was following her around yet again.

“Are you gonna, keep doing that? Or?”

“I want to spend time with you,” Jax replied matter of factly, trailing behind her. He seemed to speed up whenever they met a corner.

Pomni bit her gums, “Okay, but like. I like my alone time.”

“We can be alone together.”

“You’re not listening to me, Jax.” She swallowed a lump, “I know you think you’re in love with —“

“— I am, Pom. What’s so difficult to understand about that?” His eyes pierced at hers, one hand on his hip. It reminded her of the look he gave her when they first met. Mildly annoyed, confused, and tired.

Pomni groaned, “Come on, Jax. You’re not stupid. Tell me this is all some joke, please!”

“I can’t help it,” Jax responded in a smaller voice, “I liked you for a really long time, Pomni. You’re the one acting weird.”

”Me?” she squeaked, “Acting weird? Oh my God.” She barely takes a second to process his words, “You think you did. You think you liked me. You didn’t, Jax. You’ve basically been roofied.”

His face contorted into a mixture of dread and unease, ”Ew, no. That’s not what happened.”

They turned a corner and made it to bedroom hallway. Pomni aligned herself outside her door, with Jax facing her. She knew his room was right across from hers. She always did, she was hyper-ware of it on the best of days. But seeing the image on his door, smiling and care free, in comparison with the version in front of her was the opposite of uncanny. The two images couldn’t be more different. Because the Jax in front of her wasn’t relaxed at all, he was fighting for something. Whether that be something worth putting that effort into, Pomni didn’t take time to dwell on it. She just needed to be alone.

“Then how come you’re acting so differently now?” She challenged.

“I don’t know,” he argued, “I get so mortified over the idea of scaring you off.”

It was just so weird. Because, at the end of the day, this was Jax. In all his bitter, comeback full form. But this version was softened and seemed to think before it spoke. Pomni slumped her posture, reading to tackle him, “Right. Okay.” There was no getting through to him, “Just please leave me alone for a few hours. Please.”

Her voice shook slightly. Maybe his words did upset her. It was confusing and hurtful. Because even though nothing he was saying was true — he was still saying it. Jax, was living and breathing, and acting as if Pomni was someone worth fighting for and loving. It made her skin crawl in a type of way she wasn’t accustomed to. Surprisingly, Jax complies. He looks absolutely devastated, but he does as he’s told. Even though he seems to hiss when she closes her door finally, alone with her thoughts. Such selfish thoughts.

And so, Pomni goes to bed that night with a feeling of guilt on her chest she wasn’t used to. He didn’t have to look at her like that that, did he? It was unnecessary. It was just she had never seen Jax make that expression before. How it was so private, and genuine. It made her throat close up when she thought about it. So she decided she wouldn’t think about it. Because that was easier than caring about a version of Jax that doesn’t really exist.

-

She’s awoken by what sounds like a dog at her door.

Scratches is the only thing she can really describe it as. She wonders if some gloink children were set free, or if Caine is up to his usual antics. But when her eyes adjust to the darkness, Pomni realises just that. Darkness. Nothing should be happening at this hour.

Her thought process is cut short by what sounds like a suppressed whine at her door. There’s this feeling similar to fear that creeps over her, but it’s taken over by pure curiosity when the scratches subsides. She gets out of bed cautiously, slipping on her shoes, without her socks. It feels wrong, but she doesn’t really have time for dress formalities. She swallows while walking to her door, and turns the doorknob slowly. She opens it just so she can see a sliver of the outside world, but what she does see makes her open it full force.

”Pomni,” Jax’s voice rang through her ears.

He looked utterly awful. His eyebags were significantly more pronounced than they were a few hours ago, he wasn’t even in pyjamas. He was still in his overalls, that seemed to cling to his body in sweat. She instinctively took a step back, but that seemed to only draw him closer

”Jax, are you okay?”

Then, suddenly, she felt his weight almost on top of her. He had somehow stopped himself in time before he had collapsed fully. His palms held himself steady on the ground while his face was buried in the crook of her neck. All Pomni could do was stand in shock.

“I’m so sorry, Pomni,” he choked out through tears, “This hurts so much.” He clung to himself tightly, as if he’d break otherwise.

“Fuck,” she muttered, “Come in.”

Slowly but surely, she and Jax sat down on her bed. Not before shutting the door tight behind themselves. His condition seemed to already be improving, which could only mean good things. Pomni suddenly remembered Kinger’s words, in which Jax would be under immense pain if he couldn’t see her.

“How long have you been like this?” She asked.

Jax was focused on calming his breaths, before looking up at her, “It’s fine.”

“It’s obviously not,” she retaliated. She brought a hand up to his back, and he winced. Her fingers curled ready to move, but he seemed to only lean back.

“Keep it there,” he said, “Please.”

Pomni pushed her tongue to the roof of her mouth, nodding, “How long have you been like this?” She asked again, now using physically touch as ransom.

“I see your game,” he said, pursing his lips unhappily.

“Just answer the question,” she dead-panned, “If not for your sake, for mine.”

He avoided eye contact, “Since about, ten minutes after I last saw you.”

“That was hours ago,” she responded in disbelief. He was hardly in this state since then?

“There’s your answer.” His voice didn’t rise, didn’t waver — it just pressed, like a weight.

“I’m sorry,” she said immediately, “I shouldn’t have shut you out like that.”

Jax didn’t defend her, he just nodded. Pomni appreciated how he didn’t rub it in her face, and she continued, “This is just, really strange and frustrating for me.”

Her chest tightened. There was something in the way Jax’s shoulders stiffened, in the way his hand curled — not loose and careless, like his usual half-threats of mischief, but tense. Coiled. Like he was about to break something.

“This is frustrating for me too, Pomni,” he insisted. It made sense. In his mind, everything was normal. And now everyone is confused. “Everyone’s treating me like a child, like I’m an idiot. They’re the idiots. You and me and the only normal ones here.”

“You and me?” Pomni snorted, humouring him for a minute, “How do you mean?”

She glanced down at their thighs, now barely touching. It was funny, her legs hung off the bed. Pomni was able to swing them. But Jax’s feet were planted firmly on the ground, his knees rising higher than her own. She found it funny, the little differences between them all. She liked to imagine that parts of their characters that made them unique were things that correlated in the real world. Maybe Jax was tall in real life, and maybe Ragatha had vibrant, red hair. Maybe Kinger seemed like someone who could lead a charge. Gangle might have been someone who liked dressing in ribbons, and Zooble have not felt like their body suit them in certain ways.

Pomni didn’t think she did either, but not in the same way Zooble did. Sometimes she remembers how she used to feel about herself, and it’s never particularly positive. Regardless, some mornings when she looks in the mirror and sees the fringe sitting on her forehead, she wonders if the person she was in the real world liked having bangs as well. Maybe she hated it.

“I don’t know. They all pretend too much,” Jax shrugged with an exasperated sigh, falling on her bed sideways. It breaks Pomni out of her trance, and she pretends not to be embarrassed. She doesn’t ask how long she’s been staring at their knees for, she only brings her attention back to the other, waiting for him to carry on with his point.

He clicked his tongue, but continued anyways, “I like that you’re honest.”

“I think I’ve loved you for months,” Jax admits without embarrassment, “Weird isn’t it?”

Pomni chokes, trying her hardest to not laugh, “Stop saying you love me — I think I might actually get sick.”

His eyes widened like saucers, full of fear, “Fuck, really?”

Pomni wants to revel in this feeling. Being praised by someone who claims to hate you ninety percent of the time isn’t awful. However, Jax is practically under the influence. And the idea of letting him say all these make believe things feels more cruel than funny at this rate.

“You can stay the night,” she says finally, “But only if we can fall asleep right away. I’m exhausted.”

”Really?” Jax sits up quickly, looking down at her, “Are you sure? I promise I won’t make you uncomfortable —“

“— I didn’t think you would, Jax.” Through all his atrocities, Pomni had come to the private conclusion that not even Jax would stoop that low.

Tiredly, she opened her closet and pulled out another pillow. And then, through it on the bed.

“That will go between us,” she explained, “I don’t really think you’d be happy knowing we were spooning when all of this is over.” She says it with amusement, but Jax doesn’t seem to find it funny at all. Regardless, he abides. And climbs over the bed to the other side. It’s Pomni’s side, but she doesn’t really argue. Because Caine will have this all fixed by tomorrow anyways.

So, he sleeps on the right, and she sleeps on the left. Pomni doesn’t often view her room from this angle, she decides she’ll sleep on this side tomorrow night as well. Before glancing in Jax’s direction, she turns off her bedside lamp.

“Night,” she says casually, trying to not seem like she wants to scream. She brings the duvet over herself, and realises how much less room they both have with the long pillow between them. The moment passes — or tries to.

“Goodnight,” he whispers, then yawns, “Love you.”

-

Caine didn’t give them an adventure the next day. Pomni was unsure whether that was because they were deserved a free day or if it was a silent apology for what had happened the day beforehand. Regardless, she was delighted she didn’t need to go on an adventure with Jax reaching for her hand.

Her hand. He just kept doing that. He always insisted it was an accident, but throughout the day it was like an instinct he would reach for it. He would always apologise, and Pomni just made it a habit to cross her arms. They also hadn’t spoke about the night beforehand. Which wasn’t an awfully big deal, it was more the ordeal that stopped them from talking about it in the first place.

When she woke up this morning, Jax was sitting at her desk, playing with his hands. He wasn’t facing her, per se, but he could easily look at her if needing to. Pomni had screamed, and he had too.

“What are you doing?” She had roared, covering herself with her duvet like it was a protective layer. It was like he was waiting for her to wake up, almost.

“I tried leaving,” he yelled back, “But literally nearly died.” He hunched forward on the chair, to get maybe an inch closer to her. They were still so far apart in the grand scheme of things.

She huffed, throwing the duvet off herself, “Stop yelling at me!”

”Me? Yelling?” he yelled, “You yelled first.”

“Shut up!” They heard Zooble’s voice through the walls, “It’s a free day.”

Pomni rolled her eyes. Could they fuck off right now? Zooble can fall asleep at the drop of a hat. Pomni, well, can’t.

“You share a wall with Zooble?” Jax asked in a disgusted tone, acting as if it were Pomni’s decision and fault.

“Are we fucking serious?” she groaned, mostly to herself. She brought her hand up to her forehead, and pinching it lightly. She then stood up abruptly, walking towards her wardrobe. She proceeded to root through it, “God.”

Why did everything look the same? She wished she had different day clothes, not the same clown-esque suits. At least she had some control with what she slept in. But Caine didn’t let them leave their rooms in pyjamas, or anything that didn’t suit their character. That’s what they were after all, characters.

“Where are you going?” Jax asked in a quizzing manner as she picked out some clothes. She walked to the door in a steady pace. The bells connected to the jester hat in her right arm rang comically. She would have had the energy to laugh at this situation on any other given day, but not today.

“I’m going to Ragatha’s room to get dressed,” she said through gritted teeth, “And don’t yell in my room, anymore.”

“I wasn’t trying to,” he muttered. He crossed his arms, feet rising to the chair padding, “But you —“

He must have said more, but it was drowned out by Pomni’s over the top door slam.

“I’ll be back in five minutes!” She shouted through the door, suddenly aware of the excruciating pain he could possibly go through in a matter of minutes. At least if she came back in time, it saved them both hassle.

So, the morning didn’t start great. And because of this, neither found a moment to bring up the importance of the night before. Not because neither had the chance to, but both were too embarrassed. Jax acted like a puppy last night, and this morning he was an asshole. Even when he is supposedly obsessed with her, he’s still only nice when he needs someone. It’s rather fitting for him. It was interesting how the love bug worked, Pomni thought. Evidently, Jax was in love with her. But he was still himself. It made this a little easier, in her opinion. Having him snap at Gangle or laugh at Ragatha made her feel like the circus was just messing with her head. That everything was normal, that she was the weird one.

No, that would be proving Jax right. She wasn’t the weird one. He was. However, because Pomni wasn’t heartless, she would not let herself out of Jax’s sight.

At first, he had stared at her throughout the day like a deer in headlights whenever she seemed to leave a room. So Pomni made an effort to announce to the room where was going and that she’d be back soon. Her experiment proved that Jax could go a few minutes without seeing her. He just had to know where she was going, and when she’d be back. It was like a weird twist on object permanence and the temperament of a toddler getting their way.

Unfortunately, the day didn’t last long enough. The time until Pomni had to share her space with someone who would have fist fought her only mere days ago was coming to a close. It was ironic, and at random points in the day she found herself laughing under her breath at the utter audacity of the whole situation. Nevertheless, she refused to let this be the reason she went insane. She had handled worse, and she would certainly handle even worse in her future here. If anything, this experience was important for her to build strength.

Caine hadn’t showed up at all. At least for Pomni. Zooble had said that they had spoken to Caine after lunchtime, which made her blood boil. Because this only meant Caine was avoiding her.

“He’s definitely embarrassed,” Gangle had assured her, “Caine was so insistent that he would fix it yesterday. Can you do one more night?”

Pomni had told the others, of course, about her predicament. Everyone held sympathy, but Zooble seemed more amused. She understood why, but it still irked her. Pomni decided to not dwell on it. Jax basically tormented Gangle nearly everyday, and she and Zooble had this thing going on that Pomni wasn’t hesitant to ask about. She figured that if she were dating someone and they had someone like Jax up their ass all the time, she too would want them to suffer.

“I don’t know,” Pomni admitted, “If he ends up being anything like last night, I think I’ll have to.”

And so, like a defeated soldier, Pomni had escorted Jax to her room that evening.

Even in the digital circus, lights dim and night is inevitable. She exchanged wary glances with the others as she passed people in the hall. Everyone exchanged their goodnights. And suddenly, they were alone.

They both made sure to get dressed beforehand to avoid any unneeded awkwardness. There was so way she was giving him any satisfaction in this scenario. Regardless, she had to stand outside his door while he changed. Otherwise, he’d feel this immense pain in his chest and nearly fall to his knees. It still hurt not being able to see her, but knowing she was only a wall away comforted him. They had walked to his room first, and then walked just across the hall to hers. Their rooms were so close. But right now, Jax had acted as if they couldn’t be further apart.

Ragatha had helped Pomni make Jax a makeshift bed beside her own. The jester had thanked her, and found it surprising that Ragatha was being so considerate towards Jax’s situation.

“I’m not being considerate to him.” The doll clarified, “It’s for you.”

While Pomni’s room was by no means small, it was obvious it wasn’t meant to have two beds inside it. It was angled in such a way that she could only access her bed from the left side, the right being overtaken by a mattress and a duvet without a cover. When Jax saw it, his eyes creased, before he realised its purpose.

“We can’t sleep in bed together?” Jax asked in a small voice.

Fucking hell, she thought. She was allowed to be mad, right? At the utter audacity of his question? Pomni’s bedside lamp lit up the room in this soft, orange hue. It his Jax’s face at odd angles, made his eye bags stand out. His frown deepened in the darkness, his eyes still. Pomni turned to him, expecting him to be smiling. No matter how in love he was, surely he must have known they weren’t going to be cuddle buddies?

“No,” Pomni whispered matter of factly, “You can give dubious consent at best.”

She started walking ahead of him towards her bed, ready to take her shoes off and collapse. She had no reason to be whispering, but she did regardless. Pomni was hyper aware of Zooble on the other side of the wall. They didn’t like Jax on the best of days, the last thing they needed was to be hearing his voice before they slept.

Jax, who hadn’t gotten the memo, huffed impatiently. His hands were fidgeting, “I’m an adult, thank you. I can consent.”

“That’s not what I mean,” Pomni replied. She had turned her head around abruptly, looking him up and down, “You know what I mean, Jax.”

And he definitely did. The crimson blush that now covered his whole face was doing him no favours. Satisfied with her triumph, crawled into her large bed. Her shoes, now off, laid on the floor on their sides, one upside down. She fixed her shirt that had rolled up slightly when she sat, and sank into the pillows. This was lovely. If only she didn’t have Jax standing dumbly by her closed door. Pomni was about to lean over her bedside table to turn off the light when paused, looking at Jax expectantly. He hadn’t sat down on their makeshift bed, yet. He gave her a look of annoyance for a second, before giving in. He practically dived into the blankets, trying to avoid eye contact with the other. Pomni watched as he threw the duvet on top of himself, and heard him make an unpleasant whine.

Seeing Jax act like a child wasn’t exactly attractive — which made her wonder about the success rates for the love bug. However, she supposed it made sense. We all act foolish and childish in love, and all he wanted was to sleep beside her. Even so, it would cross a boundary. Not even for her — Pomni would get over it. She was focused more on him. Jax, whom, when ridden of the spell, would probably have her head. In this state, could he really consent to anything? He wasn’t acting like himself, he wasn’t himself. It would be unfair to take advantage of it like this. Because of that realisation, Pomni promises both herself and Jax in her mind that they’re not doing something that is vital to their comfort. If he needs to be in the same room as her, she can live with that. Especially if the opposite causes him pain. But they have no reason to be touching.

Caine would have this all fixed by tomorrow. And while Pomni knows she was saying this the night before, she really means it this time. And she would do whatever it took to get Caine to face her. Maybe she’d have to travel out to the void to get his attention. Wait, Jax would have to come with her, wouldn’t he? She had a lot to think through now.

“Goodnight, Jax.” She laughs under her breath. Because this is all insane, isn’t it?

“Night,” he mumbles bitterly. Then, “I love you.”

Her breath hitches, she won’t get used to this. Not knowing how to respond, she simply doesn’t. Pomni turns off her bedside light, and places her head on her pillow.

She’s out in an instant.