Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Who he was before he put on the headset didn’t matter. That person was gone from the moment he appeared in the digital circus.

He arrived with a sudden pop on black and white tile floors. A flurry of shapes and colors assaulted his eyes suddenly, and he stumbled backward onto the ground.

He looked up to see four cartoonish figures approaching him.

“Oh dear.” A crying voice spoke, coming from a floppy sock-puppet looking character with a flower in her hair. “Another player.”

“You okay, kid?” The newcomer turned to the mature and tired voice and saw a yellow dog on his hind legs.

Two others with them: a plush looking woman in a blue dress with red tendrils of hair and a king chess piece in an elegant purple robe, looked on with genuine concern.

“Uh, what is this?!” The new player asked, his eyes searching around frantically for an explanation. “What’s happening?!”

“Hey, don’t worry.” The plush looking woman said softly, reaching out a hand. “Everything is going to be-”

He scrambled to his feet and backed away. This was too realistic, too freaky. He grabbed at his head, trying to pull off the headset he put on, only to be met with long, rubber ears atop of his head.

He looked down and saw that he had been completely altered. He felt like nothing was right in his body, like he had been twisted and deformed against his will. A flurry of emotions rushed through him, so he did what he always did when he panicked.

He ran.

It was a labyrinth, countless doors and hallways that led to absolutely nowhere. He was running through a hallway when a mysterious hand grabbed him and pulled him into a room. He collapsed to his knees, hyperventilating in front of the person who had snatched him up.

“Babe, you need to chill.”

The non-chalance of the statement caused the newcomer to catch his breath and look up. The person who had spoken to him was a cartoon-looking frog with bright green skin and painted on red blush.

“I know, I’m hot af.” The frog laughed. “Stare harder.”

“Uh…”

“Are you good now?” The frog shifted, seeming to be more caring and sympathetic compared to the non-chalant attitude he wore before. “Less freaked out?”

“Not…really?”

“Did Ragatha and Socko give you the spiel yet?” He questioned, grabbing something from a table behind him. “The circus, new home, new body, yadda yadda.”

“No…? What is this? Where are we?”

“A nightmare, but it can be cool sometimes, don't worry.”

The confidence in the frog’s voice calmed the new-comer. There was something magnetic about him, something that made it hard to feel too scared about anything.

“My name is Ribbit, I know, it’s on the nose. I didn’t pick it out.” The frog, Ribbit, turned around, holding a mirror in one of his hands and reaching out to the newcomer with the other. “So, who are you?”

“I…” He looked around frantically as he tried to recall his identity, but it was as if it was selectively wiped from his mind. “I don’t know?! Who am I?!”

“Don’t go losing it on me again, Bunnybabe.” Ribbit sighed.

“Bunny…?”

“Oh yeah.” Ribbit lifted the mirror. “Check this out, and try not to totally freak about it. You look hot, trust.”

Reflected in the mirror was a round purple face with bunny ears sprouting out of the top. He had huge yellow eyes with tiny, stressed black pupils, and a yellow mouth that didn’t seem to properly open. None of that is what bothered him though.

“Why am I wearing pink?” He complained, uncomfortable being forced into such a girly get-up.

Ribbit burst out laughing and bent over before flying back up. “That’s what got you, huh?”

“So…how do I…get out of here?”

Ribbit frowned slightly and sighed. “No dice, at least not yet.”

“We are just…trapped here?”

Ribbit plopped down on the floor with his legs crossed and tapped next to him, gesturing for the newcomer to do the same. For a little while Ribbit just spoke about the circus, where they were now, and everything that came with. He spoke about Caine, the adventures, and the fact that there was no exit.

It was a lot of information for the newcomer to process, and he felt an anxiety bubble in his chest with each passing moment, but Ribbit acted as somewhat of an anchor.

“Anyway, all that aside, you are going to be okay, Bunnybabe.”

“Tch…why are you calling me that…” The newcomer sounded a bit disgusted. “It’s kinda humiliating.”

“I say it with love darling, trust.” Ribbit giggled, not shaken by the offense. “But, what would you like to be called? Trust me, better you decide now rather than let Caine decide.”

“Hmm…I mean I do look like a rabbit…” The newcomer pondered. He remembered his childhood home, and how jackrabbits would always run around in his backyard. They were small creatures, but they seemed to have a confidence he was somewhat jealous of. A confidence like Ribbits.

“How about…Jax?”

“Eh, it’s a bit edgy.” Ribbit pointed out jokingly. “I’m kidding, I think it suits you great.”

Ribbit stood up quickly and dusted off his legs, Jax doing the same.

“So, Jax.” He said as we walked to the door. “Ready to meet the others?”

Before Jax could respond, he felt a pressure pull at him. He felt the wind brush past him and suddenly he was back in the room where he first appeared. His stomach twisted and he bent over and immediately vomited. Ribbit, who had remained next to him, patted his back gently.

“HELLO NEW HUMAN!” Caine announced loudly, ignoring his distressed state. “WEEELCOME! TO THE AMAAAAZIN-”

“Uh, Caine.” Ribbit interrupted, causing the AI to blink slowly.

“What?” Caine complained. “I’m busy here!”

“I already gave the newbie the rundown.” Ribbit explained. “It’s totes chill now, his name is Jax.”

“Ah, Jax.” Caine nodded. “Coolio.”

The four figures from earlier walked up from behind Caine.

“Jax, this is Kinger, he’s been partying here forever.” Ribbit pointed to the king chess piece, then switched to the rag doll woman. “This is Ragatha, she’s alright.”

Ragatha waved warmly and Jax smiled, waving back.

“My name is Dobby.” The yellow dog announced before gesturing to the sock puppet by his side. “This is Socko, my girlfriend, so keep your eyes off her.”

“God, get a room, you two!” Ribbit laughed, but there was no malice behind his words. Dobby and Socko laughed in return.

“Sorry we scared you!” Socko whimpered. “I know it can be frightening, but we will take good care of you here!”

Jax looked at Ribbit in admiration. He had so much confidence and seemed so cool. He wanted to be just like him, he wanted to stay near to him. He felt so safe. He cleared his throat.

“Well, I guess you all seem cool enough.” He tried to speak confidently, but it came out slightly shaky. “And uh, thanks…”

He looked at the people around him, they all seemed kind and interesting. It calmed his nerves to have people around him. He could survive this, especially with good people like this to support him.

Despite the positive feeling gained from the people around him, Jax’s first night in the circus was difficult. He had always struggled with insomnia, and being in a strange new environment didn’t help much with it.

He knew laying in this unfamiliar bed staring at an unfamiliar ceiling wouldn’t help, so he decided to look around. As he opened his door, he noticed Ribbit walking down the hall.

“Slay, you’re up too?” Ribbit smiled. “Wanna hang out in my room?”

“Pft,” Jax laughed. “Take me to dinner first, geez.”

Together they walked into Ribbit’s room, which was a million times cooler than his. His bed was lilypad shaped, with various flower shaped pillows adorning it. The walls were painted with blue waves, and various vines hung around. Aside from that was just the same similar circus junk he had seen in his own room.

One thing stuck out to Jax: the wall across from Ribbit’s bed was half-full of various tallymarks, as if they were the scramblings of a mad man.

“Oh, yeah.” Ribbit interjected, catching Jax staring at the scrawls. “Don’t worry, I’m not going psycho killer on you. I just like knowing how long it’s been- it reminds me that one day we will be out of here.”

“Gotcha,” Jax nodded. “So…how long has it been?”

“For me?” Ribbit sat on the bed and crossed his legs dramatically. “Two years. Dobby was before me, then Socko joined and they started dating a couple months later. Now you are here.”

“Two years…” Jax trailed.

“Don’t get cray-cray, Bunnybabe.” Ribbit soothed as he added a tally to the wall. “We will be out of here before you know it.”

Jax sat down next to Ribbit. “You really think we will get out of here one day?”

“I know it!” Ribbit cheered. “Trust, it’s really only a matter of time and I’ll be partying in LA like the good ol’ days, and you’ll be there too!”

“I’ve never been.” Jax admitted. “Sounds pretty wild though.”

“Oh, it’s so lit.”

“You’ll have to take me then.”

“It’s a deal.” Ribbit laughed, wrapping his arm around Jax. “We just gotta outlast Caine’s crazy adventures.”

Jax smiled. “Thanks for…helping me.”

“Don’t sweat it, kid.” Ribbit said as he plopped back on his bed. “You going back to your room or do you have devious intentions?”

To his own surprise, Jax blushed.

“What? N-no it’s not li-”

“Whoa, whoa, chill babe, I was just joking.” Ribbit laughed, covering his face. “For real though, you can stay if you want. I don’t bite unless you are into that.”

Hesitantly, Jax laid back on the bed. A few inches lay between him and his new friend. He was surprised at how quickly he had felt bonded to the other man, but he welcomed it. It couldn’t hurt to have friends in the circus.

He wouldn’t deny that laying in the same bed as another guy felt a little weird to him, especially someone as flamboyant as Ribbit. For some reason though, he didn’t mind it, in fact, he felt a strange sense of comfort being this close to him.

At some point he turned to his side, expecting Ribbit to be asleep, but Ribbit was simply watching over him.

Knowing then that he was safe, Jax fell asleep first.

A few weeks had passed since Jax had arrived at the circus. He had gotten used to the rollercoaster that was Caine’s adventures. Luckily, today was a fun one.

They were all at the beach. Warm sun, soft sand, and rolling waves setting an impeccable vibe that all of the members could enjoy.

Kinger was in the distance, surfing flawlessly and large curling waves. Socko and Dobby were curled up next to each other under an umbrella, sharing a singular ice cream cone with disgustingly sweet intimacy. Jax was laying on a towel next to Ribbit, who claimed he was tanning. He wore bright red cat-eye sunglasses and seemed to be content laying down.

At some point, Ragatha approached the two guys. Jax hadn’t gotten to know her too well, she tended to keep to herself, but the few times they did talk she always seemed to have something positive to say.

“Hi Jax! Hi Ribbit!” She greeted. “I was wondering if you wanted to help me with the adventure, we are supposed to be collecting seashells!”

“It’s okay to relax a bit, Babydoll.” Ribbit responded, not moving from his spot. “This adventure is relaxing as a trip to the Bahamas, soak it in. Plus, you look hot in that bikini.”

Ragatha blushed slightly and smiled at the compliment. Jax had learned that Ribbit was really good at instilling confidence in the other members of the circus. He was so casual about it, but he was definitely the one everyone looked to as a leader.

“I can help you, Ragatha.” Jax volunteered, standing from his spot with a stretch. “I need to stretch my legs anyways, plus you can use my raw mental power to track down these shells.”

“Great!” Ragatha waved to Ribbit, who waved back lazily, before walking off with Jax. “So, Jax, how are you settling in?”

“Alright, I guess.” Jax confessed as he began picking up seashells. “It’s still weird, but I enjoy spending time with you all.”

“I’m surprised you got on with Ribbit so quickly.” Ragatha mentioned. “He’s such a prankster that people tend to feel off-put at first, but he is a really good guy.”

“Birds of a feather, I guess.” Jax laughed. “I enjoy pranks, and he has such a fun personality it was hard not to want to get to know him more.”

“He really is the glue keeping this place upbeat.” Ragatha sighed. “But, hey, if you ever need to talk or anything, don’t be afraid to talk to me. You should know you are loved and appreciated.”

It was a bit of an intense offer, but Jax nodded with appreciation.

“Thanks, Ragatha.” Jax responded. “You are pretty alright yourself, for a girl.”

After they finished collecting the shells, aside from the final one as an attempt to keep the good vibes going, Jax returned to where Ribbit was while Ragatha went to enjoy the waves.

“Ragatha is really nice.” Jax said as he sat down. “Like an elementary school teacher.”

“Yeah.” Ribbit agreed. “I think she tries too hard and stuffs things down sometimes, but she has good intentions.”

“Wow, who is this therapist guy and what has he done with Ribbit?” Jax laughed.

“I’m observant, Bunnybabe.” Ribbit cooed, pressing a hand to his chest. “Everyone here has layers to them if you look hard enough.”

“Oh yeah?” Jax asked. “Tell me then.”

“Ok, bet.” Ribbit sat up and lifted his sunglasses to his forehead, scanning the various members of the group.

“Socko seems like she is just sad all the time, but if you get to know her, she’s actually very passionate about the things she cares about. That’s why her and Dobby are so cringe.”

“Our little sourpuss grumpy guy, Dobby, is actually super chill late at night, and when you need it he will come in clutch. I think he’s insecure in some ways, but Socko levels him out.”

“Kinger…he isn’t crazy…just trust me…”

Ribbit seemed to frown and look faraway for a while. Jax wasn’t too sure what Ribbit meant by it, but it seemed to have a lot of backstory that somewhat upset the frog.

“How about me?” Jax asked.

“Oh, you’re a riot.” Ribbit smirked. “Probably the funniest guy I know…but…”

“But…?”

“You’re insecure.” Ribbit accused lightly.

Jax scoffed, brushing the comment off. “Yeah, right. What about you, wise guy?”

“And avoidant.”

“Ok, ok, don’t piss me off.” Jax teased.

“Alright, alright.” Ribbit relented. “I slay, that’s who I am.”

Jax laughed, but didn’t push further. Ragatha was right, Ribbit really was the one keeping all of them from falling apart. The comment about him being insecure and avoidant did sting a bit, but he had asked and it wasn’t exactly untrue.

Months went by, and Jax and Ribbit grew closer. Ribbit would occasionally flirt with Jax, and he returned it, but it was all in good fun. They had great rapport, constantly teamed up together, and planned pranks day in and day out.

Jax was beginning to enjoy the circus more than he had his previous life.

One day, the group was playing a soccer-themed adventure. Jax, Ribbit, and Kinger played on a team against Dobby, Socko, and Ragatha. Kinger played goalie while Jax and Ribbit dominated the field.

They did fun adventures all the time, or maybe them being so close is what made it fun. Today, Jax had shun brightly, scoring goals and running alongside Ribbit, who let him take the spotlight. Jax felt as though he had truly found his spot in the circus.

In the last minute, Jax scored the winning goal for his team. After Caine announced them the winner, Ribbit ran up and hugged him around the neck, and Jax hugged back.

“You killed it bestie!” Ribbit cheered.

Jax’s eyes went wide. He never really had a friend before, much less…

“Do you mean that?” Jax asked, pulling back slightly to meet Ribbit’s eyes. “I’m your best friend?”

Ribbit laughed slightly. “Are you serious?”

Jax looked away nervously. Had he read the situation wrong? He had a habit of saying the wrong thing sometimes, and maybe he had made Ribbit uncomfortable with the question.

Ribbit, noticing Jax’s slight spiral, stepped back a bit before lifting a finger gun and aiming it at Jax with a smile and a wink.

“As long as I’m around, it’s Rabbit Season.” Ribbit stated. “I’ll always have you in my sights, Jax.”

Chapter Text

Around one year after Jax had first appeared, Socko started acting strangely.

It first started after a specific adventure where each of them were placed in an underground tunnel separately and had to find their way back to each other.

Once they had reunited in the center of the map, Socko was somewhat erratic.

“I found it!” She was crying to Dobby. “We can leave!”

Ribbit, having truly grown into a leadership role, intervened almost immediately. “Socko, what do you mean?”

“There was a door!” She exclaimed. “A red exit door!”

“Socks, are you sure?” Dobby questioned. “I know you don’t like these spookier adventures, did you maybe make it up?”

“No! I saw it!” She asserted. “But it disappeared as soon as I approached it! But, Ribbit!”

Socko turned and approached Ribbit, a desperate look in her eyes. “We can go back!” She begged. “I can show you where I saw it!”

Ribbit seemed to ponder it for a moment. “Tempting babe, tempting.” He responded smoothly. “Let’s talk to Caine first, he should be able to tell us more about this door, ‘kay?”

Jax stayed out of the conversation, he was bad at comforting people most of the time, but also felt a strange sense of guilt at the fact, so he opted to let Ribbit handle it, or Ragatha if necessary.

Socko whimpered anxiously, so Dobby wrapped one of his lanky arms around her, guiding her to the exit portal.

“You want to talk to Caine?” Jax asked. “Do you really think this exit is real? Socko can be…Socko…”

“Don’t say that, Bunnybabe, Socko is a cutie.” Ribbit softly scolded. “Plus, it couldn’t hurt to ask, ya know?”

“Yeah, I guess you have a point.”

They walked through the portal together, as they did everything. They spent almost every moment together. In the beginning, Jax thought he was being weird to Ribbit, but Ribbit seemed to seek him out in the same way.

They were always on the same team, spending free time together, and Jax tagged along as he checked on the other members. The other members of the circus knew them as Jax and Ribbit, never apart unless absolutely necessary.

Jax couldn’t seem to recall having a relationship like this before, most people couldn’t handle his cynical nature, or he drove them away. But Ribbit seemed to understand him better than most people could. He had a sense of fear that one day he would also ruin his friendship with Ribbit, but the fear was never validated by Ribbit himself.

“WELCOME HOME MY GROWLING GRANDPAPPIES!” Caine greeted.

“Caaaine, pookie, just the mouth I wanna see.” Ribbit sang. “Have you heard of an exit door showing up recently?”

Caine seemed to freeze on the spot. “WHAT?”

“I saw it!” Socko spoke up. “In the tunnels, a red door and it-”

“IMPOSSIBLE!” Caine laughed. “EXIT DOORS DO NOT EXIST HERE, YOU MUST HAVE SMELLED THE SILLY TUNNEL GAS THAT MAKES YOU SEE SILLY DOORS!”

“No! He’s lying!” Socko cried.

“Darling, hush.” Dobby ran over to Socko while Ribbit looked over sympathetically.

“Take her to her room, Dobster.” Ribbit encouraged. “We’ll see ya at dinner.”

Dobby nodded and guided a sobbing Socko towards the rooms.

“Gee, I hope Socko is going to be okay…” Ragatha spoke up, approaching Ribbit and Jax.

“Don’t sweat it Raggie.” Jax responded, not entirely paying attention. “She has Dobby, she’ll be fiiiine.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Ragatha nodded.

Ribbit was quiet, staring off into the rooms with concern. Jax punched him lightly on the arm.

“Ribbie, you havin’ a stroke or something?”

Ribbit shook his head slightly and smiled at Jax. “It’s nothin’, just got my head in the clouds.” He turned towards Caine. “When’s dinner? I, for one, am hungry af.”

Caine turned his gaze to Ribbit as Dobby walked back into the main room, looking a little disheartened. “HOW HUNGRY?”

Before Ribbit could respond, a sudden unexpected pop sounded a few feet behind them. The group all turned in unison and were met with a small figure made up of nonsensical ribbons, topped with a mask with a smile plastered on it.

As the figure looked up at the group, the mask fell to the floor and broke in half, revealing a crying mask underneath.

“W-what’s happening?!” She cried out, using her ribbon hands to pull at her face. “What is this game?!”

Jax felt a hand on his back, and suddenly Ribbit was behind him.

“You take this one.” Ribbit whispered before ever-so-slightly pushing Jax forward.

D$%^ frog.

Jax was unsure how to handle this. How was he supposed to explain this to a clearly sensitive girl? Despite his uneasiness, he stepped forward.

“Hey…uh…there…” He mustered.

“Who are you?!” The girl cried.

“My name is Jax.” He introduced. “Uh…calm down, babe!”

Ribbit slapped his own face with his hand in disappointment.

“Uh…what?” The ribbon girl questioned, not crying as much anymore.

“Sorry, I kinda suck at this.” Jax admitted.

The mask stared up at him expectedly, eyes darting from place to place. Jax reached out a hand.

“Try not to freak out.” He urged calmly. “We’ll walk you through it.”

Together with Ribbit, they showed the new player around and explained the situation. She cried…a lot. Jax had never seen someone abstract before, but he was somewhat worried he would today given the state the girl was in. Then again, he was a wreck his first day and somehow survived.

“So, I need to pick a new name?”

“Yep, it can be anything you want too!” Jax tried to sound encouraging.

“Mmm I’m not sure…” She looked around, as if trying to find ideas. Jax looked her up and down, she was kind of gangly, the way she moped around.

“How about ‘Gangle’?” He offered, mostly as a joke.

Ribbit gasped. “Low blow, ignore him babe he’s cringe.”

“Actually,” She smiled slightly. “It feels kind of right.”

“Uh, are you sure?” Jax asked. “I was mostly being ironic…and kind of a jerk.”

“No, really, I like it!”

“Well then, Gangle it is!” Ribbit smiled.

“Ribbit.” Dobby appeared, looking frustrated. “Can I talk to you…” He looked at Jax and Gangle. “Alone.”

“Take a chill pill, Dob,” Ribbit laughed. “But sure thing!”

Ribbit grabbed Jax’s hand, surprising him slightly. Jax felt a strange shiver as it happened, but he choked down any sort of reaction.

“Keep an eye on the fresh meat, Bunnybabe.” Ribbit winked. “Back soon.”

Ribbit let go of his hand and Jax felt a pang of emptiness as he walked away with Dobby. He shook it off and turned to Gangle.

“So, newbie, I don’t think you’ve met Socko yet.” He mentioned. “I think you two will get along well, having friends here helps out a lot too.”

Gangle looked nervous, but followed him as he walked towards the rooms. They slowed for a second as they heard a strange rumbling in the distance.

“W-what is that sound?” Gangle whimpered.

“I…don’t know…” Jax said, instinctively stepping in front of the new player.

Before either could discuss further, a large black glob of a monster burst through the hall, breaking off part of the circus wall and charging towards Jax and Gangle. Jax knew immediately that this was abstraction, but he didn’t know who, how, or why. Gangle was even more confused, having not been told yet about the concept of abstraction.

He grabbed onto Gangle’s arm and dragged her into the closest room he could find. They collapsed onto the floor and stared at the door for a few moments, expecting the abstracted creature to bust in after them, but thankfully, it stayed quiet.

Jax looked around at the room they were in, it was completely empty and dark. The only light in the room came from glow-in-the-dark stars adhered from ceiling to floor. In any other situation, it would’ve been beautiful, but right now it only reminded him of the hundreds of glowing eyes on the abstracted creatures.

“Am I dead?” Gangle sobbed. “Is this h$%^?”

Jax tried to steady his heaving breaths. This was his first time witnessing an abstraction, and one of his friends was gone, but that wasn’t Gangle’s fault. If he didn’t do something to help her, she might be next. Nobody deserved to turn into…that.

“I-It’s going to be okay…” He stuttered out, his voice shaky and unsure. “I k-know it seems p-pretty scary but-”

Gangle looked up at him expectantly, as if he could have any reasonable answer for what was happening.

“I…I’m sorry…” He breathed shakily. “This really is just very confusing.”

Gangle said nothing and Jax sank to the floor, they simply sat in silence as wreckage waged outside of the safety of the room they were now trapped in together.

Suddenly, the door to the room flung open, revealing a disheveled Ribbit, his chest heaving with heavy pants.

“Oh, thank f%^&ing God.” Ribbit ran to Jax and wrapped his arms around him, pulling him tight. “I was so worried about you, Bunnybabe.”

Jax said nothing, he waited in shock for a moment before erupting into tears, finally breaking down and hugging Ribbit back. Ribbit glanced over to Gangle, who was right beside them.

“Bring it in, Ribbons.” He offered. “We got you.”

Gangle looked hesitant for a second, then joined into a hug. She clung onto Jax and Ribbit as if they were a lifeline. She had only met them today, but the trauma of the situation had her grasping at anything to keep her grounded. At that moment, it was Jax and Ribbit.

“Who?” Jax asked, clutching onto Ribbit a bit tighter.

“Socks…” Ribbit sighed, causing Jax to sob harder. “I know…the first one is always the worst…”

“Maybe I was too mean with my jokes…”

“Shut up you idiot.” Ribbit joked softly. “It’s not your fault this happened.”

“Wait.” Jax tensed. “Dobby, he-”

“Dobby is…” Ribbit let out a frustrated groan. “Not okay, for now…but Ragatha is keeping an eye. He was literally talking to me about being concerned for her as it happened.”

They held onto each other for what felt like an eternity. Slowly talking and explaining what exactly had happened to Gangle, who cried basically the entire time.

Eventually, they all sank to the floor of the room in complete exhaustion from crying and feeling such a rollercoaster of emotions.

They all awoke back in their beds by the morning, but they hadn’t forgotten how they’d fallen asleep in that room, crying with each other, feeling scared with each other.

The three were forever interlinked.

Gangle was quiet her first few weeks at the circus. Jax thought her anxious energy would lessen as she settled in, but it seemed to be just part of who she was.

She had made a habit of trailing behind Jax and Ribbit on adventures and around the circus. At first, Jax felt a bit annoyed thinking he would have to split his precious time with Ribbit, but over time, Gangle had grown on him.

Gangle was actually pretty cool, kind, and laughed at his and Ribbit’s jokes; so long as her happy mask was intact. When her happy mask broke, she was whiny and scared, but Ribbit always made it better.

The three of them were sitting in Ribbit’s room, on his familiar, cozy lilypad bed. They spent most of their free time in one of their rooms, but Ribbit always seemed to be what they’d default to.

Today, Jax and Gangle were playing various card games across from each other while Ribbit rested his head in Jax’s lap, reading a non-sense filled book created by Caine.

“Ughhhhh.” Jax groaned, tossing his cards in the air. “How do you keep beating me, Gangle?!”

“Don’t be a drama queen, Jaxy-boy!” Gangle teased.

“Yeah, Jaxy-boy,” Ribbit teased. “Don’t be a sore loser!”

“This is harassment." Jax rolled his eyes dramatically. “I’m tired of card games anyways, where’s Caine with an adventure when you need one.”

“I had a question.” Gangle piped up. “Uh, well, it’s kind of embarrassing.”

“Tell us, Ribbons!” Ribbit pressed. “I’m dying for whatever tea you have to ask.”

“Well,” Gangle continued, looking away nervously. “We have cards and Ragatha has her sports stuff…how could I get something like that?”

It wasn’t something Jax had considered before; he spent so much time with Ribbit and doing whatever he did that he’d never thought about something he might want.

“We could just ask Caine.” Ribbit answered. “Why? Something you miss from back home?”

“W-well,” Gangle continued. “Before this, I just worked in fast food, but I used to do art a lot before I got too busy with that.”

“O.M.G. Is our little ribbon princess an artist?” Ribbon sat up excitedly, leaving Jax someone disappointed at the distance. “I have to see your stuff!”

“It wasn’t that good!” Gangle laughed nervously. “But I figured with as much free time we have here…maybe it was dumb.”

“If you like it, then do it.” Jax added. “Don’t wait around wondering what it could be like, just get over the fear and do it.”

While Ribbit offered encouragement, Jax was one to relay honesty in a harsher fashion. He rarely meant badly by it, it was simply how his brain was hardwired to process his words.

“Next time we see Caine, babe, I’m getting you a d^*% pencil!” Ribbit promised, standing from the bed. “For now, both of you need to follow me!”

Gangle and Jax exchanged a confused look, but followed Ribbit without asking any further questions. Ribbit led through various halls within the circus before stopping in front of an unassuming door.

“The circus is full of random bulls%$^.” Ribbit explained. “But sometimes you can find something pretty lit.”

Ribbit opened the door, the others following him inside to find a room full of arts and craft supplies. There were easels lined up against the wall, shelves full of paper, paint, glitter, and other various supplies. The walls, floor, and ceiling even seemed to be splattered with color; but it wasn’t harsh and bright like the rest of the circus. It reminded Jax of a painting he would see in a museum.

“Wowwww!” Gangle pressed her ribbon-hands to her face in amazement. “Ribbit! This is so cool!”

“I thought you’d get a kick out of it.” Ribbit shrugged. “Plus, I don’t think the others know about this place, so it could be a cool place for us to party.”

Jax smiled at Ribbit. “Geeez, you are sooo clingy.”

“Aw, c’mon Bunnybabe,” Ribbit winked back. “You like when I’m clingy~”

As Ribbit flirted back, Jax felt something strange in his chest. A flutter that caused his heart-rate to speed up, alongside a pit in his stomach that made him feel like he would topple over.

Why did he feel this way? It wasn’t abnormal for Ribbit to be flirty, he was like that all the time and it hadn’t bothered Jax before. It confused Jax deeply because it reminded him of crushes he had on girls in the past, but Ribbit wasn’t a girl, and Jax wasn’t gay.

Right?

When months passed and the butterflies didn’t go away, Jax assumed that he was just going crazy from being in the circus for more than a year and a half.

He didn’t dare mention it to Ribbit or Gangle, they would more than likely just tease him endlessly and call him gay, It wasn’t something he wanted to have to deal with.

Jax, Gangle, and Ribbit were sitting side by side in the art room that they had claimed as their own. The unfortunate part was Jax was in the middle, and Ribbit was overly interested in the anime character that Gangle was doodling in her sketchbook.

Ribbit was leaning over in front of Jax, his face only inches away, and it was jumbling Jax’s brain in a way that made him want to scream. Unwillingly, Jax’s foot began to tap against the ground anxiously as he tried to suppress the feelings he had.

Ribbit turned to look at Jax as he noticed, but before either of them could say anything, they were all snap-summoned by Caine to the main room. The trio landed in a pile in front of Caine, while Ragatha, Dobby, and Kinger stood waiting patiently for them to stand.

“GREETINGS MY DELIGHTFUL DELI DONUTS!”

“What stupid bulls^&* are we doing now?!” Dobby sneered, his arms crossed. He was never the same as before after Socko abstracted. He spent most of his time alone in his room, and the rest of his time angry or complaining. He seemed to have a particular disdain for Gangle, but Jax wasn’t too sure why.

“TODAY’S ADVENTURE ISSSSSSS….” Caine presented. “THE AMAZING DIGITAL PROM!”

“Prom?” Jax scoffed. “Like in high school?”

“PRECISELY!”

“I think it sounds fun!” Gangle cheered, earning a hard glance for Dobby.

“YOU SIX WILL BE MATCHED UP AT RANDOM FOR YOUR PROM DATES!”

“Messy.” Ribbit said with a smile.

Caine tipped his hat off and stuck a hand in, pulling out a small piece of paper.

“FIRST WE HAVE KINGER!” He reached back in and grabbed another paper. “AND RAGATHA!!!!”

Ragatha waved politely at Kinger, who screamed in response.

“NEXT WE HAVE…RIBBIT…ANDDDD.”

Jax felt himself tense up, he didn’t think he would like anything that Caine said next, but somehow he felt that the worst option still came true.

“JAX!”

Ribbit glanced at Jax, his expression not readable. Jax felt a blush come over him.

“What?” He said out loud. “Why would we-”

“Aw, Bunnybabe.” Ribbit teased. “You don’t want little ol’ me?”

Jax turned to Ribbit, feeling conflicted and desperately trying to think of a joke. When he couldn’t make one, Caine moved the conversation along.

“THAT LEAVES GANGLE AND DOBBY AS OUR LAST DUO!”

“Absolutely f%^&ing not.” Dobby growled. Gangle looked away shyly, unsure what to say.

“Caine, why don’t I switch with Gangle.” Ribbit offered, which made Jax feel like he was stabbed in the heart for some unknown reason. “You cool with that, Dobs?”

“I don’t care.” Dobby responded. “I’m not doing this.”

“Gangle can join me and Ribbit!” Jax shouted, a little too loudly. “I mean, like, we could just be a trio instead of a duo.”

Dobby was already walking away, so Caine simply sighed and agreed. With a snap of Caine’s fingers, the scenery changed. They were still in the circus, but it was dimmed and full of balloons, confetti, and streamers. A disco ball illuminated the room with tiny flecks of light. Tables surrounded them full of snacks, and to Jax’s surprise, there was a table with various alcohol. NPCs on a nearby stage played music that filled the air.

Their outfits had changed as well. Ragatha and Gangle wore sparkly dresses that matched their typical color scheme. Kinger was fitted with a tie that was wrapped incorrectly around his forward. Meanwhile, Ribbit and Jax were in match suits, Ribbit with a bowtie and Jax with a traditional tie.

Jax didn’t hate it.

Despite Dobby’s attitude, the remaining 5 had a fun night. Kinger spent a lot of time staring at the confetti and talking to himself about what bugs it reminded him of. Meanwhile, the trio spent time with Ragatha, dancing along to the music and chatting about various things.

They also enjoyed the alcohol table, as it was a luxury they were rarely granted.

Ragatha and Gangle were both conservative with their drinking, remaining levelheaded for the most part. Ribbit and Jax on the other hand were completely wasted after a few simple drinks.

“I think I’m going to head to my room.” Ragatha said with a yawn. “Thank you for a fun night, make sure you guys get some rest soon.”

“Byyyye Ragggieeeee!” Jax slurred.

“Byyye giiirl I love youuuuu!” Ribbit added, wrapping an arm around Jax with a bottle still in his hand.

Gangle laughed at the sight as Ragatha approached Kinger and walked back to the dorms with him, leaving the trio alone underneath the disco ball.

“Mannn that was a RIOTTT!!!” Jax laughed boisterously.

“Shhh! Shhh! Shhh!” Ribbit giggled. “We are gonna get in troubleeeeee hahaha!”

The two stumbled as they danced around sloppily, eventually, Jax felt himself bump into something and heard a crack behind him. He whipped around to see Gangle’s happy mask on the floor.

“Oh no!” Jax jumped back. “Sorry about that Gangleee, I’m soooo…heavyyyy.”

“It’s ok…” Gangle whimpered. “I know it was an accident.”

“Ribbbonnnsss…” Ribbit cooed, pulling her into a hug. “Don’t cryyyyy….no baby cryyyy.”

“I’m okay guys, I promise.” She said, not sounding convincing. “I mean…I am a bit worried that Dobby hates me…”

“Nahhhh….” Ribbit responded as he pulled back and sat down, leading to the other two doing the same. “You just remind him of Socks…”

Jax had never made that connection, but it did make a bit of sense.

“I just hope we can be friends someday.” Gangle cried.

“Either wayyyy,” Jax chimed in. “You have us so who caaaaares.”

“Yeahh and Raggieeeee.”

“Heh, Ragatha.” Gangle mentioned. “She makes me kinda nervous…”

“Whaaaat?” Ribbit asked. “Omg whyyyyyy?”

“I…uh…” Gangle seemed nervous. “I get nervous around…pretty women…”

“Lesbian???” Ribbit questioned.

“I don’t really like putting a label on it.” Gangle answered. “I do know I’m not interested in men at the very least.”

“For sureeeee.” Ribbit continued. “I meannn you guys already know I’m the biggest gay here haha.”

Jax suddenly felt uncomfortable. He didn’t have a problem with Gangle and Ribbit being gay, but he wasn’t and it made him feel called out in a way. Ribbit and Gangle turned to him expectantly and he had no idea what to say.

“I…” Jax started. “Need another drink.”

Jax stood quickly and walked to the drink bar a few feet away, pouring himself a shot.

Gangle let out a yawn and stood as well. “I’m going to bed.” She announced as she walked away. “Goodnight guys, make sure you get to bed soon.”

“Byeee Ribbons!” Ribbit called as he flopped onto his back.

“Peace.” Jax added as he sat back down next to Ribbit, who turned on his side to face Jax.

“You doin’ ok, Bunnybabe?” Ribbit asked, his voice still slurring from the alcohol.

“‘M fine.” Jax muttered.

“Weird because you sound not fine.”

“I…” Jax looked at Ribbit. He was staring up at him with his pie-cut eyes. Jax became acutely aware that they were a frog and a bunny, but deep-down he wanted to believe they were more. “I’m confused.”

“You didn’t have to say anythingggg.” Ribbit said. “Just cause me and Gangle are like…gay and very…gay about it…doesn’t mean-”

“It’s not like that…” Jax interrupted. “I just feel weird.”

Ribbit sat back up, meeting Jax’s eyes.

“Weird how?”

“Weird like…” Jax looked away. “I feel something I don’t understand…”

When Jax moved his eyes back up, Ribbit was much closer, only inches away from him so that Jax could even feel his bated breath.

“What does it feel like?”

“Feels like…” Jax hesitantly moved slightly closer.

“Like this?”

Ribbit closed the distance between them, pressing their mouths together and wrapping his arms around Jax, causing both of them to topple over. For a while Jax didn’t react, then he gave into the aching feeling in his chest.

He placed his hands around Ribbit’s waist, pulling him on top of his torso so Ribbit was straddling him. The kiss deepened as Ribbit let out a deep, desperate sound.

The kiss was passionate but slow at first, with neither of them pulling away for some time until Ribbit did to say Jax’s name. It was barely a whisper, but it made Jax feel like he was being turned into melted wax underneath Ribbit.

Jax felt tears gather as the kiss continued. He still felt so confused and lost about everything, but in the moment of them kissing, he felt more amazing than he ever had the entire time he had been in the circus. Something deep inside him wanted Ribbit in this intimate way.

The kiss became faster and messier- cries and names being tossed around in between the crashing of their mouths against each other. Their breath was growing heavy as they pulled each other closer, as if they could absorb each other if they tried hard enough.

“God, Ribbit.” Jax groaned. “This is amazing.”

“Mmm.” Ribbit moaned into his mouth before pulling away. “I love you so much, Jax.”

Love? What was happening? What was Jax doing? He didn’t like guys, so why was he kissing another guy? Why was another guy saying he loved him?

Jax gently pushed Ribbit off him, but with a sense of urgency, then scrambled to his feet, his hands shaking.

“Jax, wait!” Ribbit stood up. “I’m sorry…I’m so drunk I don’t know what I’m saying.”

“So you didn’t mean it?” Stupid. That was a stupid thing for him to ask.

“No…or yes…I don’t know…” Rabbit stuttered, his typical confidence wavering. “We should talk when we have gotten some rest…but wait…”

Ribbit reached out a hand but Jax took a few scared steps back.

“I…I can’t do this…” Jax turned on his heels and ran back to his room, leaving Ribbit standing under the speckles of light.

The next morning, neither of them addressed the kiss. The next week, they hadn't brought it up despite a newfound tension. For the rest of the year, they would fight to pretend it never even happened.

But, oh, they both knew it had.

Chapter Text

Things were still normal.

At least, that’s what Jax was telling himself. He was hanging out with Ribbit and Gangle the same way he had before the stupid prom event, and Ribbit hadn’t brought up the awkward situation with her present.

Sure, Ribbit would cast him side-eyeing glances and Jax did everything in his power to never be in a one-on-one situation with Ribbit, but things were definitely normal.

There were a few times he had nearly been left alone with Ribbit, but Jax always found a way out of the situation. For example, if it was an adventure that required teams of two, he would pair with Gangle or Ragatha. If Gangle went to bed early while Ribbit stayed awake, Jax also pretended to go to bed early.

But now Jax was face to face with Ribbit in the ‘Loser Corner’ room, where they would both be stuck until the rest of their friends completed the adventure Caine had sent them on. Jax and Ribbit stared at each other like two deer in headlights for a few moments.

“Hey, babe.” Ribbit broke the silence and the tension with his typical fun attitude.

“Uh…hi…” Jax responded, taking a seat on the opposite end of the bench, doing his best to create distance so he didn’t have to think about how alone and close they were.

Things were still normal.

“Look, about what happened between us.”

Normal.

“Nope.” Jax stood up and walked to the other side of the aquarium that stood in the middle of the room. “Caaaaiiiine! Let me out!”

“You know that won’t work.” Ribbit rolled his eyes as he stood and followed Jax. “Can we just talk about it already?

“Talk about what?” Jax responded frantically. “There is nothing to talk about, I have no idea what you are even referring to.”

“Jax.” Ribbit sighed, pinching his fingers to his face. “Don’t run from this.”

“I’m not runnin’” Jax defended. “Nothin’ to even run from.”

“Be so for real, babe.” Ribbit pushed, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You’re scared, you’re confused, I get it.”

Jax looked over his shoulder at Ribbit, as if he was debating giving in and kissing him all over again.

“Let me be there for you.” Ribbit pleaded. “Please. I’m scared of what’ll happen if you push this down.”

Jax’s gaze softened as he thought about Socko abstracting and how Dobby had lost his entire self after the fact.

“I think I might be-“

Jax was interrupted mid-sentence by a sudden pop a few feet away, revealing Gangle with her happy mask broken in her hands.

“Oh.” She muttered, seeing the two guys. “There you guys are, I thought you ditched me.”

“Of course not, babe!” Ribbit reassured, leaving Jax to approach Gangle. “That stampede was cray-cray.”

Jax shook his head and forced a smile.

“Haha, yeah.” He added, walking up behind them. “It just sucks you didn’t have us brave men to come save you.”

Gangle giggled. “Well, I lived longer so I think I’m the brave one here.”

“Yiiikes- she got us there, Bunnybabe.” Ribbit laughed. “Guess you’ll have to be our knight in shining armor from now on, Ribbons.”

The three continued on with their conversation, with Gangle filling the two guys in on what they had missed during the adventure.

After a while, they were snapped by Caine back into the main room of the circus and presented with another one of Bubble’s dinners.

Jax took a deep breath, then took the seat next to Ribbit- something he hadn’t done in the months since their nighttime encounter. He poked at the digital food in front of him mindlessly when he felt his other hand touch Ribbit’s.

It was subtle at first, as if Ribbit was testing the waters with Jax. Jax didn’t react, not reciprocating but also not explicitly pulling away. Ribbit wrapped one finger around Jax’s, and Jax did everything in his power to not make eye-contact, turning the other direction.

He watched as Gangle turned to make eye-contact with Jax, then her gaze lowered down to where his hand was interacting with Ribbit’s, which prompted Jax to pull away quickly and focus on eating his food. To his relief, Gangle did not say anything and simply started talking to him about some anime she had seen prior to joining the circus.

Jax spends the rest of dinner mindlessly eating and staying stuck in his head. What were these strange feelings he had towards Ribbit? Why did they end up kissing that one night? Why did Jax enjoy it?

“Earth to Jax?”

Jax shook his head and turned to Gangle who had tapped him on the shoulder.

“Huh?” Jax responded. “Sorry, what’s up.”

“Ribbit and I were gonna go to the art room,” Gangle explained. “You coming?”

Jax turned to Ribbit, whose expression was unreadable, only a smirk remaining on his face. Was he challenging Jax? What sort of game was Ribbit playing at.

“Uhhhhh.” Jax started as he turned back to Gangle. “I’m actually gonna sleep, heads not feeling tip-top today I guess.”

“Must be some headache to blow us off.” Ribbit muttered, sounding colder than typical.

“It’s ok!” Gangle interjected. “You should get some rest, Jax. I’ll draw you something to make you feel better!”

Jax glared at Ribbit for a moment before softening his gaze towards Gangle.

“Thanks Ribbons, I’ll be in my room.”

Jax turned without regarding Ribbit further. Where did he get off with that foul attitude? Was this just because he pulled his hand away?

Jax felt so conflicted, why did everything have to change when it was so perfect before? He fled to his room and instantly crashed into his bed, closing his eyes and lulling into darkness.

It felt like only moments had passed when he heard a knocking on his door. Had Ribbit followed him and come to confront him?

“Whaaaaat?!” Jax groaned out angrily.

“Uh…Jax? Is it a bad time?”

“Gangle!” Jax sat up quickly, rushing to the door and opening it to see Gangle standing shyly in front, a piece of paper clutched in her hands. “Sorry…I…thought you were someone else.”

“It’s okay!” Gangle assured. “We missed hanging out with you tonight, I wanted to make sure you were feeling better.”

“Oh.” Jax responded. “Yeah…I’ve just been…tired.”

Gangle didn’t say anything in response, only looked away nervously.

“What is it, Ribbons?” Jax pushed softly. “You have that anxious look.”

Gangle sighed, and looked up to Jax.

“Are you and Ribbit fighting?”

“What?”

“You haven’t really been talking to him, and things have been…tense…” Gangle explained. “Then in the loser corner…and at dinner tonight…it felt like there was something going on between you two.”

“Did he say something to you in the art room?”

“He mentioned being worried…but he wouldn’t elaborate…” Gangle whimpered. “You guys are my friends and I feel like I should be helping if something is wrong.”

“Gangle, you are fine.” Jax reassured. “Me and Ribbit are fine, we are just…figuring things out.”

“Figuring…what out?”

“Things, Ribbons.” Jax sighed. “It’s…hard to explain.”

“I trust you, Jax.” Gangle admitted. “But I’m here if you want to talk about anything.”

“I know, Gangle.” Jax replied. “I appreciate it.”

Gangle gave a soft smile.

“Oh!” She perked up, presenting the piece of paper in her hands to Jax. “I made you this, to cheer you up!”

Jax grabbed the piece of paper and flipped it around. It was a pencil drawing of him, Gangle, and Ribbit all sitting together. Jax studied it for a moment, admiring how Gangle had captured all of their features in such a tender way.

In the drawing, Gangle was smiling with her happy mask, a sketchbook in her lap as she sat between Jax and Ribbit. Jax was winking and glancing at Ribbit, with Ribbit smiling back with a playful finger gun. It felt like them, genuine and happy together.

“Wow, Ribbons.” Jax laughed. “This is actually really good.”

“I’m glad you think so!” Gangle smiled. “I’ll let you get back to sleep now, see you tomorrow!”

“Night-night, Gangle!” Jax responded before slipping back into his room.

He leaned against the door and sank to the ground, keeping his eyes fixated on Gangle’s drawing. He stared into the penciled lines that outlined Ribbit. Gangle was a good artist, and genuinely did capture all three of them very well.

He crawled over to his bed and placed the drawing gently on his bedside table. He was pretty sure this is the most prized possession he had obtained since joining the circus.

When Jax left his room in the morning, Gangle and Ribbit were already sitting together on the couch. Jax swallowed his pride, and fear, and approached them casually.

“‘Sup.” He said as he plopped himself down next to Ribbit.

“Mornin’ Bunnybabe, did you get your beauty rest?”

Why did that make him feel so flustered? Before Jax could bite back with a snarky joke to ease the tension, Caine appeared in front of them.

“GOOD MORNING MUSCULAR MINI QUICHES!”

With a snap of his fingers, Caine summoned Ragatha, Kinger, and Dobby into the room.

“What now?” Dobby grumbled, his arms crossed while Ragatha looked at him sympathetically.

“TODAY’S ADVENTURE IS A FANTASTICAL SOIREE OF ACTION!” Caine explained dramatically. “YOU ALL WILL BE THRUST INTO EXCITING NEW ROLES AS YOU COMPLETE YOUR MEDIEVAL GOALS!”

“Medieval, huh?” Ribbit cheered. “Sounds pretty sexy.”

“IT’S NOT!” Caine shouted back before summoning the portal and shoving everyone through.

Jax blinked then looked around. He was in a forested area, but could see a tall castle with a high tower in the distance. He looked down to see he was wearing metallic armor, including a sword sheathed at his side.

“Tacky Caine, tacky.” He muttered to himself.

A flash of color appeared in front of him in the form of digital text.

YOUR ROLE IS KNIGHT
OBJECTIVE: SAVE PRINCESS FROM ASSASSIN

“Huh…” Jax pondered. “Okay, that’s pretty cool I guess.”

Jax looked around for a moment before heading off towards the castle. He walked for a few moments before hearing a rustling nearby. He whipped around, hand on his sword as he prepared for a fight. Sounds seemed to appear from all around, making him feel somewhat paranoid.

Suddenly, a flash of green appeared in front of him. The figure crashed into him, causing them to roll and tumble on the ground. As they landed on the dirt, Jax blinked and saw that Ribbit was on top of him, pinning his arms down above him.

“Gotcha!” Ribbit laughed.

Jax tried to hide the redness that was crawling onto his face as he took in Ribbit’s outfit. He was wearing a black cloak and had a dagger sheathed at his hip.

Oh. He was the assassin.

Jax could work with this, it was just a game after all.

“Dirty assassin!” Jax sneered with a playful smile. “You dare try and harm the young princess!”

“I dare indeed!” Ribbit roleplayed back. “Once I have defeated the clumsy knight, of course!”

“Clumsy?!” Jax gasped. “I’ll show you who’s clumsy!”

Jax mustered his strength and flipped himself over, swapping their positions so Ribbit was pinned beneath him. Ribbit stared up at him with wide eyes, both of them with hitched breath. Jax’s smile began to slowly falter as he realized the implication of their positions.

He thought that he should move, end the tension, but he felt as if he was stuck in place. No, it was as if he couldn’t tear himself away no matter how much he knew he should.

“Heh.” Ribbon laughed, cracking a tiny smirk. “You’re staring, babe.”

“Shut up.” Jax muttered back.

Ribbit narrowed his eyes.

“Make me.”

How two little words could absolutely destroy any self-control that Jax contained was completely beyond him. He crashed his mouth onto Ribbit’s, embracing the two of them into a kiss as deep and passionate as the one they had shared the previous year.

Ribbit moaned in response, wrapping his now freed arms around Jax, who was left cupping the sides of Ribbit’s face. Months of frustration and tension were channeled into this moment as they kissed on grass under the sun.

Realization hitting him, Jax pulled away and fell backwards away from Ribbit, pressing a hand to his lips in utter confusion.

“Don’t run!” Ribbit stated, standing to his feet. “Please…”

Jax said nothing, just stared up at Ribbit.

“Can we, like, talk?” Ribbit said, his normal charisma seemingly dialed back. “I can’t stand the awkward bulls$%^ anymore.”

Jax hesitated, but nodded before sitting up with his legs crossed. Ribbit dropped back down to the grass, doing the same.

“I’m not gay.” Jax stated defensively.

“Babe.” Ribbit rolled his eyes. “Don’t be a closet case, it’s not cute.”

“I’m not!” Jax reiterated. “I don’t like…dudes.”

“You can’t be serious?” Ribbit laughed. “You just pounced on me like a starving animal.”

“That wasn’t like…” Jax stuttered. “It was a weird moment…I like girls!”

“You can like girls and guys, Jax.” Ribbit stated matter-of-factly.

“Well…” Jax looked around as if trying to find a better answer. “I don’t!”

“God, you are lucky you have your charming humor.”

“Shut up!”

“Seriously though,” Ribbit reached out a hand and placed it on top of Jax’s. “I know it’s confusing for you right now, but you can talk to me.”

Jax met Ribbit’s eyes; he could tell he was being genuine. Jax was never good at sharing his feelings, but he wanted to try.

“I am. Confused, that is.” Jax admitted. “I’ve never felt this way about someone…”

Jax realized the weight of his words and blushed. “S-sorry, I don’t mean to say…” He stuttered. “I’m still like-”

“It’s ok!” Ribbit squeezed his hand. “I feel things for you too, babe.”

“You do?”

“Well, duh!”

“You said you loved me…that night…” Jax reminded. “Was that…real or were you just drunk?”

“You first.” Ribbit challenged. “Tell me how you feel about me.”

“No fair!”

“Sorry, babe,” Ribbit teased. “Thems the rules.”

Jax took a deep breath. “I…I need a bit more time to think.” He replied. “Is that okay?”

“Yeah, that’s okay.” Ribbit assured. “Just don’t run away or hide from me anymore, mmkay?”

“I won’t…” Jax met his eyes. “I promise to figure this out soon, then you can tell me if it was real.”

“Deal!” Ribbit stood up and reached out a hand to Jax.

It reminded him of the first day he had arrived in the circus. How Ribbit had been the one to truly reach him. Now, Ribbit had reached a new part of his heart, one that had never been accessed by anyone else before.

He grabbed Ribbit’s hand and got to his feet, only to be promptly pulled into a hug.

“Don’t go runnin’ away on me.” Ribbit whispered. “It’s still rabbit season.”

Jax said nothing in response, only hugging him back before pulling away and looking to the castle.

“We should go find Gangle.” Jax said. “She’s probably pretty scared.”

“She’s braver than you think!” Ribbit defended. “But, yeah, we should find the others.”

When they got to the castle, things were quiet. Too quiet. There were no NPCs bustling about, no sound aside from a stale wind blowing through the air.

“Something’s not right.” Ribbit noted.

“Ribbit!”

Jax and Ribbit turned to see Ragatha running towards them, wearing a maid outfit.

“Nice get up Raggie.” Jax teased.

Ragatha brushed it off, running up to Ribbit.

“Dobby.” She breathed out. “He’s-”

She was interrupted by a large dark creature crashing through the side of the castle out into the field. The three crouched to the ground instinctively before looking back out. Jax could see the clear sight of another Abstracted person, presumably Dobby.

“I was gone for 5 minutes?!” Ribbit cried out. “What happened?!”

“I was supposed to be cooking or something, but I went to go check on him,” Ragatha explained through hushed, rapid breaths. “He started screaming about figuring out what happened to Socko and the exit thing and it…it happened so fast…”

“It’s not your fault,” Ribbit comforted. “Go hide and call for Caine, be careful.”

Ragatha nodded, tears in her eyes, before fleeing towards the forest. Ribbit turned towards Jax with narrowed eyes.

“We need to find Gangle and Kinger.”

Jax nodded, his heart racing. Was Gangle okay? Was she scared?

The two snuck alongside the castle wall until they found an entrance. As Jax walked in, he tripped over a piece of rubble, alerting the abstracted Dobby to their location. He watched as the abstraction turned and raced at full speed towards them.

“Run!” Ribbit grabbed his wrist and guided him to a nearby staircase, hiding beneath it. They watched as the abstraction crashed back into the building, pausing for a moment in the main hall where they were hiding. To their relief, it turned and went deeper into the castle.

Ribbit stood up silently, Jax following closely behind, and quickly made their way up the stairs. They walked down the hall when Ribbit stopped Jax suddenly, putting a finger up to his mouth indicating that they should stay quiet.

Jax could hear the faint sound of sobs in a nearby room, and Ribbit seemed to have picked up on it as well since he took two broad steps to the door before motioning Jax to join him.

They opened the door to find Gangle curled up on the floor, crying into her hands. Various parts of her were glitching, her mask flashing to portray various emotions in rapid succession.

“What’s wrong with her?!” Jax asked, his face twisted in a mix of concern and horror. “Is she going to be okay?!”

Ribbit knelt down next to Gangle, being careful not to touch her.

“She will be okay.” Ribbit explained. “You hear me Gangle? It’s going to be alright.”

Jax reached out a hand to try and help Gangle, only to be stopped by Ribbit.

“We can’t…” Ribbit sighed. “It will spread and it…it won’t feel good.”

“M-m-m-make i-i-i-it s-s-s-s-top…” Gangle whimpered.

“We are here Ribbons.” Ribbit soothed as Jax knelt on the other side of Gangle. “It will be over soon.”

“How do we help her?” Jax asked desperately.

“We hope that Rags finds Caine,” Ribbit groaned as he stood and walked towards the door. “And soon.”

“Where are you going?” Jax questioned.

“I need to find Kinger, make sure he wasn’t…hurt…” Ribbit seemed to be frustrated, but Jax wasn’t too sure if he was mad at Caine, Dobby, or himself. “Stay with Gangle.”

“Ribbit!”

Before Jax could stop him, Ribbit was gone. He turned back to Gangle.

“I’m here Gangle.” He said, his voice shaky and scared. He probably didn’t sound too comforting. “Just…hang on…okay?”

“W-w-w-w-hat h-h-h-h-h-happened-d-d-d?”

Jax was unsure what to say. He knew the news about Dobby would upset her, and he didn’t want to risk making it worse.

“D-d-d-did D-d-dobb-y-y-y…?”

Jax squeezed his eyes closed. “I’m sorry…”

Gangle did not speak more, she only cried choppily as the glitches continued for what felt like hours. Jax felt so small and scared, and he had no idea what to do.

Was Ribbit okay? Had he found Kinger or did he get injured by the abstraction?

His mind was spiraling when suddenly he heard a snap and found himself back in the circus. To his relief, Gangle seemed back to normal, back on her feet as if nothing had occurred, but the fear on her face gave away the pain she had endured.

“Gangle…” He said. “Are you okay?”

“I think so…” She muttered, seeming to shrink into herself.

Before he could comfort her further, he felt arms wrap around him.

“Did it find you? Did you get hurt?” Ribbit whispered into his ear.

“We were fine.” Jax responded.

Ragatha and Kinger approached the trio.

“I was showing Ribbit the insects in the library!” Kinger said, cheerfully out-of-place.

Ragatha burst into tears, burying her face into her hands. Gangle sat on the floor, defeated, and curled her arms around her legs.

Jax simply stood and stared at his own hands, still in shock and terrified at what he had witnessed. It felt like being trapped in this hellscape got worse and worse with every tragedy they witnessed. How many more people would abstract? How long would it be until he abstracted?

Ribbit clapped his hands, garnering the attention of the other four.

“Don’t fall apart, people.” Ribbit addressed.

“Dobby has been in a bad place ever since Socko went, we all knew this. We will remember both of them for the love they had for each other, because for a long time that is what kept them afloat. I love each and every one of you here.”

Ribbit scanned each of them, but Jax felt his gaze lingered slightly longer on him.

“Do not let the loss cause you to spiral down, because I will not stand to watch you all drop like flies. We will continue to take care of each other, and make sure that nobody else gets to that level ever again. Don’t forget that we will get out of this circus someday, so keep your heads up. We are a family, and we will stay strong together.”

Ragatha wiped her tears, and Gangle seemed to relax. Jax had heard everything Ribbit had said, but he still felt tired…scared. Was there really any help for them getting out of this hellhole?

Jax sat down next to Gangle, letting her rest her head against him. He watched as Ribbit spoke with Ragatha and Kinger, seemingly keeping their spirits as high as possible.

“We should throw a funeral.” Ribbit said, drawing Jax and Gangle into the conversation. “For Socko and Dobby, to remember them.”

The group spent some time setting things up, asking Caine for flowers and various supplies. Eventually, everything was ready. Jax looked at the two framed photos on top of the case in front of them. Socko and Dobby were smiling in the photos. They were happy and in love, there was no reason for them to have given up and yet…they were gone.

Everyone took turns speaking about Socko and Dobby, about memories and bonds. Cherished moments they had shared with two people who no longer existed. Everyone looked at him, it was his turn to speak.

Instead, he ran away.

He ran to the halls, beelining straight to Dobby’s door. When he arrived, he saw the familiar red X already painted over it. He fell to his knees in front of the door.

He felt scared, scared that one day this would be his door. Had Dobby’s love and devotion for Socko been his undoing? Ribbit had said that they were stronger together, that love kept them afloat, but hadn’t Socko and Dobby proved the opposite?

Caring about each other destroyed them completely.

He felt tender hands on his shoulders, and came to realize Gangle and Ribbit were standing behind him. After a moment, they too got on their knees and pulled Jax into a group hug. Jax brought his hands up to the two, tears streaming down his face.

Had he already doomed himself with these two? He had never thought too hard about either of them abstracting, but considering it now he knew it would destroy him as well. He doesn’t think he could bear it in the circus without them.

“I love you guys.” Gangle cried, sobbing into Jax’s shoulder. “Please don’t ever give up.”

“Never.” Ribbit promised, squeezing them both tighter. “We are staying together no matter what.”

Jax did not add to the conversation, his mind still spiraling from the realization of his current predicament. He focused on the feeling of the hug, the strange sense of warmth and the way it pulled at his chest.

Little did he know, this would be the last time anyone hugged him for a very long time.

“I’m really tired…” Gangle whimpered, pulling away from the hug slowly. “I will see you both tomorrow…sleep tight.”

Jax and Ribbit watched as Gangle entered her room silently, then turned to each other.

“Babe, you're crying.” Ribbit cooed, bringing a hand to Jax’s face. “What’s wrong?”

Jax said nothing, only clutching his hand to his chest. Ribbit looked away nervously.

“You should rest,” Ribbit said. “But if you need to…say anything to me…I’ll be in the art room.”

Jax watched as Ribbit disappeared down the hall, then turned back to the portrait on the door. It taunted him- challenging every decision he had made since entering the circus. He had almost confessed love to Ribbit earlier, and he realized now that it would have been an irreversible mistake.

Love and relationships were not possible in this Hell. All it gave them was a one-way ticket to abstraction, to pain and suffering. He couldn’t keep clinging on to Ribbit and Gangle the way he had, all it would do is cause them eventual pain.

There was no leaving this circus, only becoming part of it or losing yourself forever.

Jax stood, and with an immense pressure in his chest, walked towards the art room.

When he entered, Ribbit was leaning against the wall admiring the various art pieces he, Jax and Gangle had created over the months they had been bonded. Jax paid no attention to it, only staring at Ribbit, who smiled at him.

“You came!” Ribbit cheered. “I wasn’t sure if you would!”

“Yeah.” Jax replied flatly. “Cause I’m so confused, right?”

“Whoa.” Ribbit raised his hands up defensively. “What’s with the attitude, babe.”

“God.” Jax rolled his eyes. “You think you are such a charming guy don’t you?”

“What’s going on?” Ribbit questioned. “Did something happen?”

“I just think it’s time somebody gave you a reality check, Froggy.”

“Yeah? And what is that in your expert opinion, Rabbit.”

“You think I’m in love with you, but in reality you just have some weird fixation on me cause I’m the only available guy here.” Jax was pulling the jabs out of nowhere- there was no rationale in his thoughts, only the idea to push Ribbit away to avoid any potential pain.

He could apologize in the morning if he regretted it.

“Oh cut the bulls$%^, babe.” Ribbit laughed. “You sound so cringe right now, you know that, right?”

“Yeah?” Jax asked, tilting his head.

“Yeah!” Ribbit pointed out, stepping closer to Jax. “You are in love with me and you can’t admit it because you are insecure and scared.”

“We got a therapist here I guess.”

“Don't take a therapist to see the closet is glass,” Ribbit pushed. “Also, you know, making out with me twice maybe?”

“Like that meant anything to you!” Jax shouted. “Like you wouldn’t move on easily if I was gone!”

“It meant everything to me,” Ribbit argued back. “And to you, I know it did so don’t you dare pretend that it didn’t.”

Jax forced out a laugh. “Get real.” He groaned. “You mean nothing to me.”

Ribbit stepped back, a quick expression of hurt flashing on his face before he narrowed his eyes again.

“I know you don’t mean that,” Ribbit muttered. “You are being a real jerk right now, and I don’t know why, but I am not going to let you-”

“Can you just quit it already?” Jax sneered. “Do you think being such a saint all the time is actually helping anyone? We are stuck in Hell and you are here pretending we are a family.”

With each word Jax said, he felt a knife stab to his heart. Part of him was screaming to stop, to take it back, to apologize on his knees and admit that he did care, that he was scared. But the survival instinct in him was winning, hurting Ribbit before Ribbit could hurt him.

“You think we will get out of here one day?” Jax continued, unsure of where the line he shouldn’t cross lied. “Tracking dates as if it even matters at all?”

“Stop.”

“Three years I’ve been here and we are nowhere close to getting out! You want to keep giving all of us hope when you know just as well as I do that there is no exit.”

“Stop!”

Ribbit’s shout seemed to echo in the room as he bent over and covered his ears. Jax instantly felt an immense sense of guilt. He had never seen Ribbit seem so distraught, and he had caused that. He had gone too far.

He slowly reached out a hand when Ribbit suddenly whipped his head back up. Jax noticed immediately how black glitches were covering one of Ribbit’s eyes, smaller, flickering eyes within the space that was spreading. Jax’s heart rate immediately skyrocketed and he stepped closer.

“Wait!” Jax whimpered. “No. No. No.”

“W–w-w-w-what’s happening t-t-t-t-to me?!” Ribbit cried, tears falling around the abstraction on his face. “Oh God-d-d-d…is th-th-th-th-this what it f-f-f-f-f-feels like?!”

“No, I’m sorry.” Jax begged, grabbing Ribbit’s face. “I-I didn’t mean it, I was being stupid.”

“Jax-x-x-x-x…p-p-p-p-lease…” Ribbit begged. “I-I d-d-d-don’t want to go-o-o-o-…please…”

Jax turned and opened the art room door.

“Caine!” He screamed. “Caine, we need you here, please! Someone! Anyone!”

Jax turned back in to find Ribbit on his knees, the abstraction having spread down to his arm and waist. Tears fell down Jax’s face as he knelt down next to him.

“I didn’t mean it, I promise.” Jax pleaded. “Don’t go, please, I can fix it, we can fix it, you just gotta say.”

“T-t-t-t-ell me-e-e-e.” Ribbit cried. “S-s-s-s-s-say i-i-i-i-it.”

Maybe if Jax was honest, he could reverse the damage. Maybe he could save his best friend.

“I’m in love with you…” He whimpered, kissing Ribbit desperately. “I’ve loved you for so long and you make me feel safe and I need you more than anything so please-”

“I-I-I-I lo-o-o-ove you to-o-o-o, J-J-Jax.” Ribbit stuttered as the abstraction had nearly consumed him.

Why wouldn’t it go away? What did Jax need to do?

“R-r-r-run.” Ribbit pleaded, seemingly struggling to fight back against the changes that were happening to him.

“No…” Jax sobbed as he shook his head. “I won’t leave you…”

“RUN!” Ribbit growled, his voice deeper and altered. The noise terrified Jax, as if he had heard the screams of Hell itself. He scrambled backwards as the abstraction that was once Ribbit thrashed about, destroying all of the contents in the art room, all of the memories that they had shared.

Jax grabbed the door handle to get to his feet, and ran straight to his room, never once looking back. He slammed his door behind him and stared at his bed before crashing into it.

The next morning, Jax was an entirely different person.

Chapter Text

Jax spent all of his time in his room, only daring to come out in the late hours of the night when everyone else was asleep.

He couldn’t handle the idea of having to face them. Having to admit what he did to them. To Gangle.

What if the confession caused Gangle to abstract? Or any of the others? Or himself?!

For a while, he hoped he would abstract. He didn’t have the slightest clue what it would feel like being abstracted, if anything at all, but he imagined it was the one and only way he would see Ribbit again.

It didn’t last long. Everytime he felt he was getting close to abstracting, embracing it, the faces of everyone in the circus flashed in his mind. When that happened, all he could feel was fear.

He had not seen any of them since that night. Ragatha and Gangle had knocked on his door a few times, offering various condolences at first, and as of late, expressing concern and care.

Concern and care.

Jax didn’t deserve either of those things. He had caused his best friend to abstract, and there was no concern nor care that could change that fact.

They had explained through the door that there were already new members in the circus: Kaufmo and Zooble.

Jax didn’t care. He wouldn’t bother getting close to them when he knew they’d just disappear anyways. If anything, he would cause it to happen faster.

When he went out at night, he tiptoed down the hall like a frightened child terrified of some unknown consequence of waking up the rest of the family. Once out of earshot, he simply sulked about the circus- exploring various locations like he used to do in the company of Ribbit and Gangle.

It was different when he was alone. It was as if he was desperately holding onto some distant memory that he would never be able to fully idealize ever again.

The one place he refused to revisit was the art room- he hadn’t stepped foot in the hallway since the night of Ribbit’s abstraction. He could vividly remember how everything they had built as a trio in that room was destroyed in an instant.

He wasn’t sure he would ever be able to revisit it.

Tonight was another boring night. Trailing around aimlessly in the dark, left with nothing but his bitter spiraling thoughts. He felt exhaustion tugging at him, and abandoned the nightly walk for sleep, sleep, and more sleep.

To his dismay, the path back to the hall leading to his room was blocked off by a large pile of teapots that had somehow appeared while he had been wandering. Luckily, there was another way back, another entrance to the hall of rooms.

But he would have to pass by Ribbit’s door.

He kicked a nearby teapot out of frustration, then gathered his courage. He couldn’t waste time or one of the other circus members would wake up and find him, and he wasn’t ready for that.

He walked slowly, trying to keep his gaze forward, but as he passed the door it felt like his head moved on its own.

He stared at the door, at the red X that seemed to be desecrating Ribbit’s face. Jax wished he could scrub it off, but no amount of soap and water would make the situation any less real. He was tired of this being so real, of having to stomach the truth every single day.

He missed Ribbit, his best friend, his something more.

Something more that would never be. Something more that was never said, and never would.

He missed lying next to Ribbit and Gangle on his cute lilypad bed, playing cards on his floor, planning pranks together. At one time the room was full of laughter and love- what would it be full of now?

Jax was unsure the door could even open, but if it did, could he feel normal again?

He slowly touched the doorknob as if it were a vicious dog that would bite at any time. He twisted it, feeling it click, then slowly pulled the door open.

Inside it was…empty.

Everything was gone, forgotten to the wind. No evidence of laughter or love. No evidence that Ribbit ever even existed. Jax felt the tears hit his hands before he even realized he was crying.

The only thing that was left in the room was a singular bowling ball in the middle. Jax sat down with his head buried in his knees in front of the ball, convincing himself that somehow the random object had a connection to Ribbit, and he sobbed.

After what felt like an eternity, he had no tears left to cry. He wiped his face off and grabbed the bowling ball in his hands. He was sure there would be some consequence from Caine, but at least he could have some sort of tether until then.

He exited the room slowly, being careful to quietly close the door before turning to go to his room, eyes turned downwards onto the ball the entire time.

“Uh…hi…”

Jax froze in place. It wasn’t a voice he recognized, but then again it had been so long since he had heard anyone’s voice.

“Sorry…I’m Kaufmo, I don’t think we met.” Kaufmo introduced. “Are you Jax? I’ve heard about you.”

Jax ignored him, only walking forward and pretending that this new person wasn’t even there.

“Can I tell you a joke?” Kaufmo asked. “It might help!”

“Why do you care?” Jax growled. Kaufmo seemed a bit taken aback, but recovered quickly as he cleared his throat.

“What is red and bad for your teeth?” Kaufmo pitched nervously.

Jax stared at Kaufmo, not entertained and impatient for the interaction to be over.

“A…a brick.” Kaufmo finished, no confidence in his voice.

“Yeahhhh.” Jax walked forward. “Could use some work.”

“What’s with that bowling ball?” Kaufmo asked, causing Jax to tense up.

“Don’t really see how that’s your business.”

“Is it…something your friend had?”

Why was he asking this?

“I imagine it must’ve been hard…does holding onto his stuff help?”

Jax wasn’t sure what happened, he just snapped. He grabbed the bowling ball and tossed it at Kaufmo, causing the clown to tumble backward with the ball in his hands.

“It’s just a stupid ball.” Jax lied, anger boiling in his chest. “Why don’t you take it and see if it can teach you some real humor.”

Jax didn’t wait for a response, he simply retreated into his room and sank to the floor.

Jax wasn’t sure when night became morning, but he could tell it had by the sound of footsteps and conversation outside of his door. Further confirmation was brought about by gentle knocks a few moments later.

“Jax? We are heading to breakfast if you want to join us!” Ragatha spoke softly, but Jax could still hear her clearly. “We are here for you whenever you are ready to talk about things! Don’t forget that you are loved and appreciated!”

Jax rolled his eyes. She had done this pony show every single morning since Ribbit had abstracted, and over time it lost its sincerity. The more he thought about her fake positive demeanor, the more he grew to feel annoyed by her constant attempts to help him.

After a few moments, it was clear she had left with the others. Jax let out a sigh as if he had been holding his breath without realizing and swung his legs over the side of the bed.

Another day on his own. He wasn’t sure how to spend it this time: sleeping, staring at the wall, just waiting…

To his dismay, it wasn’t a decision he had to make. He felt as his digital body was dragged through the air by Caine’s summoning ability.

In an instant he felt stripped bare. He was surrounded by both new and familiar faces that looked down on him with a sickening pity that made his stomach twist into knots.

He wasn’t prepared to be perceived. He felt a panic bubble in his stomach as his mind scrambled for a way out.

But there was no way out, he was completely blocked in and a million eyes were staring into him, expecting some sort of answer.

What could he do to make this all go away?

Then he knew.

“Geez, ya pervs!” Jax laughed, a mischievous smile creeping onto his face as he winked cheekily. “Take a picture, it’ll last ya longer.”

Ragatha and Gangle looked…shocked? Hurt? Jax wasn’t sure, he didn’t want to even care how they felt. He couldn’t take responsibility for that, and he sure as Hell couldn’t take anymore pity.

Kinger simply blinked, seemingly no thoughts running through his crazed mind. Jax felt a bit of relief at that.

The newbies, Kaufmo and Zooble, had different reactions. Kaufmo seemed uneasy, but that was to be expected after their one singular interaction. Zooble seemed to squint at him, searching for something he would not let them find.

“Um…” Ragatha started slowly. “Are you…okay…Jax?”

“Better than ever, Dollface!” Jax announced as he stood up. “So, what’s the adventure today, Caine?”

“GLAD YOU ASKED MY FLUFFY FIRECRACKER!” Caine cheered vibrantly.

Jax didn’t miss the high energy of Caine, but at least getting the adventure over with meant he could be alone sooner.

“TODAY YOU SIX WILL BE TRAVERSING A SPOOKY TWISTING AND TURNING MAZE OF HORROR!”

Caine snapped his fingers, a portal appearing alongside the motion, and gently shuffled the crew inside. Jax noticed how Zooble sauntered away quietly before being roped in.

As Jax walked up to the maze made of cracked stone walls, he realized how angry he felt. Why had he reacted the way he did upon being placed in front of everyone?

He felt like he barely had any control at that moment, as if someone else were speaking on his behalf while he was curled up in the crevices of his mind like a small child.

Was it a defense mechanism? Some twisted way to cope with fear? He didn’t care so long as he didn’t have to confront the truth.

Kaufmo clung to Ragatha as he trembled with fear. Jax rolled his eyes at how pathetic he seemed. He wished he could turn back time, back to when he felt like he had a family in the circus.

“Does she tuck you into bed too, Clowny?” Jax joked at Kaufmo, who recoiled sadly at the jest.

“Hey!” Ragatha scolded. “That wasn’t very nice, Jax!”

Jax could feel his blood boiling. Why was Ragatha defending this loser after everything they had been through together? Why was she comforting him like a child as if that would fix the fact they were in Hell?

“Yeah, cause being nice here has gotten us so far.” Jax muttered. “Get over yourself, Raggie, you aren’t saving anyone.”

He turned before he could see Ragatha’s reaction, verbally berating himself. Why was he being such a jerk? Why couldn’t he say how he felt?

He walked into the maze without waiting a second more. He needed for everything to slow down, no, he needed it all to stop completely. He wasn’t sure he could handle talking to anyone else.

“Jax!”

He froze. That was the last voice he wanted to hear. He didn’t need to turn around to know that Gangle was out of breath, likely from chasing after him.

“Wait up.” She panted out. “I need to talk to you.”

“No,” Jax stated coldly. “I don’t think you do.”

“What?”

“Just get out of here, Ribbons.” He continued. “I don’t remember inviting you.”

“I don’t understand what’s wrong with you!” Gangle responded. “Is this because of Rib-“

“Don’t!”

He didn’t mean to yell.

“S-Sorry.” Gangle stuttered. “We can talk about something else, I’ve just missed you a lot.”

“Cringe.” Jax laughed. “What, everyone else here is too boring for you?”

“Huh?”

“Ya know, clingy is not a good look.”

“Stop this!” Gangle begged.

“I think you should stop actually.” Jax growled, spinning on his heels and glaring into her eyes. “This whiny, needy, crybaby act got old ages ago, and this?!”

Jax grabbed the happy mask off her face, lifting it in the air above her where she couldn’t reach. Maybe after this she would finally back off.

“This stupid thing.” Jax laughed, waving the mask around mockingly as she reached for it with tears. “God it’s pathetic.”

Jax tossed the mask behind him and swallowed the pang of guilt he felt as he heard it break in two.

“Let me guess, you will sit here crying in a puddle until someone feels sorry enough to pick you up.” Jax sneered. “Well not me, not anymore.”

Gangle said nothing, only sinking to her knees and sobbing into her hands.

Jax smirked, a strange satisfaction taking over him. The guilt in his stomach was snuffed out by feeling that he had succeeded in avoiding real confrontation. He was in control now.

“Let me be clear.” Jax continued, his voice lowering into something more sinister, more serious. “The only reason I got close to you, was to make sure this moment hurt you even more. If you ever tell anyone about anything I told you…”

Gangle looked up at him with fear, an expression he had never seen her look at him with, but one that told him he was succeeding in burning the bridge.

“I will make sure your life is an actual living Hell.”

Jax, with the haunting smile still plastered on his face, turned back around, leaving Gangle sobbing on the floor as he walked away.

Once he was sure he was far enough away into the maze that nobody could see him, the facade faded immediately. His ears flopped downward and his face dragged downward. The walls around him seemed to get smaller as he felt regret in his heart.

While the regret was powerful, and he felt a desperate need to have someone understand him, he still felt terrified. He had always been sarcastic, using humor as a crutch, but now it felt like that was escalated. As if he were a deer in headlights, faced with fight or flight.

This was both fight and flight for him- he felt so much anger, grief, and despair. At the same time, he wasn’t sure how to handle those emotions, how to share them organically.

He stared at his hands, watching as they slowly curled into fists.

“F#$%!” He shouted, punching the wall to his left.

Nothing broke. There were no consequences to the action. His hand barely felt any pain.

In that moment, Jax was reminded that nothing in this circus was even real. The pain wasn’t real, the adventures weren’t real, even they, the so-called ‘humans’ trapped in the circus, could barely be considered real anymore.

Maybe that was his mistake all along. He took things too seriously- dug too deep into the gravity of the situation. Things were never going to change. Despite Ribbit’s constant reassurance that they would one day escape, Jax knew it would never really happen.

He kept walking, the anger beginning to ebb away slowly when he found himself entering a corn maze. He wasn’t sure why but he felt an uneasy feeling begin to build inside of his chest. He had some strange paranoia that someone…no…something was watching him.

He quickened his pace, trying to get through the corn maze as quickly as possible- but it seemed endless. He started to think there was no end. His fast walk transitioned into a panicked run, pressure in his head as if there were disappointed people all around him, screaming at him and judging him for his sins.

Eventually he found himself completely surrounded, he couldn’t see an exit but at the same time his vision was blurred from tears he hadn’t even realized had appeared. The corn was mocking him- thousands of glowing eyes drilling into his soul and dissecting him, filling him with fear.

Just like that night.

Just like Socko.

Just like Dobby.

Just like Ribbit.

Just like everyone in this circus would be one day- consumed by mania and lost in despair. One day everyone he knew would give up the same way, one day he would give up and be locked in the cellar.

It terrified him to his core- heavy breaths shaking him as he gripped his head. He felt dizzy as he stumbled about, the corn still glaring at him. He wanted to run- but again, running wasn’t an option here.

He stared at the ground instead, and saw his silly looking rabbit feet.

“T…This isn’t real…” He told himself out loud. “I’m just…a stupid rabbit…”

He continued to heave his breaths out, trying to regain control but completely senseless on how to. If Ribbit were here- no.

“He was just…a stupid frog…”

A stupid rabbit.

A stupid frog.

A stupid pile of ribbons.

A stupid rag doll.

A stupid chess piece.

He reminded himself that they were all just silly characters in a game. Their old lives weren’t real anymore- and if that were true then the pain wouldn’t be real.

He squeezed his eyes shut, breath still ragged, and continued on slowly through the maze.

He was the first to make it to the exit, and by the time everyone else had caught up he had been able to calm himself down. He made sure that any trace of whatever weird anxiety attack he had was gone, only left with a smile.

Gangle seemed to examine him, her mind turning gears as she debated trying to talk to him once again. All it took was him narrowing his eyes threateningly for her to decide against it and sit alone several feet away from him.

Kinger was next, but he paid Jax no mind- opting to instead investigate some butterflies that occupied the grassy area where they waited.

Ragatha and Kaufmo were last- appearing as though they had only dragged each other down. Ragatha looked at Jax with concern for a moment before walking over towards Gangle with Kaufmo.

Jax scoffed. They were all so sensitive.

As soon as Caine brought them back to the circus, Jax separated himself and walked confidently to his room- wanting nothing more than to collapse into his bed after the emotional agony he had been forced to endure. He only hoped Caine didn’t somehow see his weakness- lest he try to use it against him in the future.

He was a few feet from his room when he felt someone grab his wrist.

“Wait.”

“Geez, Ragatha, take me to dinner first before getting so handsy.” Jax joked, trying to hide his annoyance.

“No.” Ragatha narrowed her eyes. “We need to talk.”

“Let go of me.” Jax demanded, his voice tense.

“I won’t!” Ragatha continued. “I need answers!”

“You don’t need anything.” Jax scoffed. “You need to get a grip.”

“I found him, you know.” Ragatha stated. “I saw you running away that night, I can’t believe you didn’t even notice me, maybe you were guilty.”

“You don’t know anything about that night.”

“I know I saw you running away from that room with tears in your eyes.” Ragatha explained. “I know when I walked into that room…he was gone.”

“Shut up.”

“Fill in the blanks, Jax.” Ragatha persisted, her voice raising. “What happened? What did you say to him? Did you make him abstract?”

“I tried to save him!” Jax screamed, ripping his hand away. Then he caught himself, he was getting too riled up, too vulnerable. He shook his head and smiled. “But I guess he was just too much of a wuss to handle it all, huh?”

“What happened to you Jax?” Ragatha cried, fat tears falling down her face. “Were we not enough for you?”

“Guess not!” Jax said with a laugh. “Guess you failed.”

Ragatha said nothing, only looked away as the hurt filled her heart. Jax turned and entered his room, flopping face first onto the bed. He wanted to scream into his pillow but was unsure if she would hear it.

Instead he cried.

He cried for the last time.

Jax didn’t know how many years had gone by. Without Ribbit, there was nobody to remind him. Nobody to keep count. Nobody to care.

Adventures had come and gone- and he had better established his position in the circus. Found his archetype. He found comfort in his pranks, something to keep him grounded.

He had panic attacks occasionally, but not once had they happened in the presence of another circus member. He had become an expert at deflection, and master of disguise. He wore his mask like a second skin- a barrier of protection.

Nobody had abstracted since Ribbit, to his surprise. Not that he would case, or at least, that’s what he told himself. He told himself he could forget and move on, it wasn’t as if he had any other choice.

He had done well to forget all the others.

He woke up late, having stayed up late the previous night planting centipedes in Ragatha’s room. He was walking down the hall, his mind elsewhere, when he collided into someone else.

“Geez, watch it!” Jax snapped. He looked up and saw Zooble looking grumpily down at him. “Oh, it’s you.”

“You were the one not paying attention.” Zooble complained. “I was just standing here when you bumped into me.”

“Well that’s what you get for being a glorified traffic cone.” Jax joked. “I mean there are a lot of stupid looking characters here but you really take the cake, Zoobs.”

“What’s you deal, dude?” Zooble scrutinized him, their eyes narrowing. “You insecure or something?”

“How could someone as glorious as me be insecure?” Jax rebuttled. “Sounds like someone is projecting.”

“Just an a$% then?” Zooble rolled their eyes. “Whatever, die in a hole for all I care.”

Jax would never admit it, but Zooble’s energy was refreshing. No toxic positivity, just blunt truth- but they were also annoying in his book. so he would never show a true appreciation for.

He walked into the main room and saw Kaufmo conversing with Kinger, who shuffled into his pillow fort shortly after. Kaufmo then approached Jax, causing the ladder to roll his eyes. Kaufmo opened his mouth to speak, but Jax interrupted before anything could be said.

“Not interested in another one of your lame jokes, Kaufy.” Jax said. “In fact, nobody is, so you should just quit while you are ahead.”

Kaufmo said nothing, just looked down dejectedly and slunk away towards his room.

The adventure that day was an in-house activity, preparing a ‘Theme Song’ for the circus, including all of the characters. To Caine’s annoyance, Kaufmo never came back out of his room- so they had to continue the day without him.

Halfway through their silly production, a new character arrived. A short jester girl who ended up with the name Pomni.

It had been ages since a new character was brought into the circus, and Jax tried his best not to care. Sure, this cute jester bore some resemblance to a certain frog, but that was more likely due to Caine’s lack of creativity as an AI.

She wouldn’t be anyone important. She wouldn’t be someone he got close to.

Not this time. Not again.

She would be another cog in the machine, another character to bully and torture to keep his own sanity afloat. It would be hilarious.

One day she would abstract, and he would not care.

She was not someone who would tear his walls down and cause him the same grief and despair he had to endure due to previous meddlesome characters.

No.

Rabbit season was over.