Chapter Text
Another day, another rude customer.
there was always one; a woman with too much urgency and not enough patience, an old man who hated how ‘soft’ modern workers were, an oddball ordering “secret menu” food that didn’t exist… always at least one.
Today was a man who stared a little too much.
You walk to an older mans table, already uncomfortable. His grey-blue eyes rest on you too long. You feel exposed.
”what can I get for you, sir?” You force a smile and shift your weight, trying to get him to make eye contact rather than staring at anything else. He finally looks up, cracking a shifty smile. “Just a coffee, beautiful.”
You awkwardly write it down and leave his table as quickly as possible. While you prepare the coffee, you hear the doorbell ring, but no footsteps.
You turn, ready to search for a new customer, but are startled to find pierrot only inches from your body. You relax after the initial surprise.
”hello Pierrot, how are you?” You slip past him, adding cream and sugar to the mans coffee. Pierrot leans over you, whispering, his breath hot on your neck.
“I’m well, my lady.. how are you?” He shifts back after speaking, allowing you to keep working.
”I’m good Pierrot, let me give this order real quick, Alright?” He nods in approval, and you walk away to the older man. He takes his coffee, eyes still lingering on you.
he speaks, not looking at your face but at your chest. “Can I order a bite of the waiter?” He tries to reach out to touch you, but you quickly step backwards. You force a laugh and smile, choking back tears as you thank him for the “compliment”.
you swiftly turn away, about to speed walk back behind the counter, when you notice Pierrot. His normally large pupils now only slits, and his eyes are locked on the older customer. As you move closer, you notice he is incredibly stiff.
“Pierrot?” You mumble, afraid of this newer, frightening perspective of him. He quickly relaxes, pupils dilating as he returns to the Pierrot you know.
He leans over you, whispering in your ear. “Was he… mean to you, my lady?” A familiar sting returns to your eyes. All you wanted was to not think about what just happened… he almost grabbed…
Pierrot senses your discomfort and quickly squeezes your hand. “Do not worry, my lady. Please ignore him.” He briefly hugs you, pulling you in close before leaving the cafe. He was so quiet for someone so large…
The hours were passing, but one thing never changed. The man was still here. You’d asked him to please leave multiple times already, but it was always the same thing. “Sure baby, I’m just about to go.” You could sense his unwanted gaze burning into your back. Please just go, you thought. Please…
without warning, you feel a hand on your shoulder. You jump, turning around, dreading the face of the man.. but it was Pierrot. He looked shocked. “My lady.. I did not mean to startle you. Are you alright?”
You relax, falling into his arms. You could hear his breath catch as you wrapped around him, bathing in the warmth. “Pierrot…” you mumble. He doesn’t respond. He’s tense again, like before. you look up.
”Is that the same man, my dear?…” his voice was as tense as the rest of him. You silently nod. All other customers had left. You were doing dishes, waiting for him to leave so you could lock up for the night at go home. Pierrot holds you close for a moment, waiting only until your breathing had calmed before releasing you.
He spoke loudly and openly now; which surprised you. Weren’t others not allowed to hear. “Sir, have you been to the circus of horrors?” He approached the man. The old man, at the sight of this large clown, tensed and scooted back in his seat.
”I-I can’t say I enjoy horror..” he flinched and tried to jump back as Pierrot reached for him and grabbed his shoulder.
”go home, my lady. Do not worry. Rest well.” He dragged the man out of the coffee shop. He tried to resist, but in the end Pierrot was much larger and stronger.
The people in the street didn’t even notice the violent kidnapping; many assumed it was a performance. A publicity stunt. There was even some applause.
•
The warmth of the shower soothed you after a long day at work. Your tight and exhausted muscles relaxed, your skin felt smooth and clean again. You struggled to keep your eyes open.
Removing yourself from the shower, you heard the glass door slide open. Who was inside?… you turned the corner to see Pierrot try his best to silently close the very loud door (to no avail). He turned, bells chiming, and immediately noticed you.
“My lady!…” he noticed your shocked look. “Do not worry.. I took care of him.” A smile spreads across his face. “He will never bother you again.”
”Pierrot.. what did you do..?” You take a step back, nearly dropping your towel. Pierrot only grins and puts a finger to his lips.
”It’s a circus secret, my lady…” he approaches you, holding his hand out for you to take.
”At least let me get my clothes on…” you move to the drawer. “A little privacy?” You joke. He shyly relocates to the small bathroom that can barely fit him. You fall into bed, newly clothed, wet hair soaking into the pillow. You were so tired…
You feel someone slip next to you into the bed. His weight shifts the balance of the mattress, scooting you towards him, he wraps one arm around your torso, the other intertwined in your hair. You stay like that for some time, relaxing. You almost fall asleep when you hear a small voice.
”I love you, my lady.”
”I love you too, Pierrot.”