Chapter Text
Another adventure of Caine's came to an end as everyone went through the portal, back to the circus. As usual, Jax walked by Kaufmo and Ribbit, being the first ones to go though the portal, chatting about the stupid NPCs they've previously encountered. Behind them were the rest of the tally - Ragatha, cheery rag doll-looking gal who was one of the first ones to try and befriend Jax when she got here. Rags was nice, a bit too sweet for Jax's liking but… she wasn't unbearable so I guess they were friends. And of course Kinger - a chest piece as his avatar who seemed… not entirely there mentally. He was presumably the oldest one of the group, if age even had any weight at this point. Oh, and there was Caine - the ringmaster, yapping their ears off with his useless praise, but Jax paid him no mind. He wasn't a real person to begin with, so she never bothered talking to him out of the necessary.
It was a bit exciting though, knowing that out of the four other members only one knew a secret. If Jax could still keep up with the passing days, it's been two weeks since she and Ribbit had a talk in their room. She could describe it in three words: the first one was "terrifying", terrifying and suffocating when they sat on Ribbit's bed and they looked at her with those… eyes. Eyes that trying to silently tell her "I trust you" and prodded for Jax to open up. Sweat and uncertainty was hanging over Jax's head, hesitating on whether she should share more. I mean, wasn't saying she was homeless before entering the circus enough? Jax stammered, rubbing her hand over her overalls, even though the artificiality of them made it less effective or grounding. But Ribbit just, never seemed to judge or laugh at her, giving Jax some kind of freedom over her actions, and so with a shaky breath… she told her about her household, about her mom, about why she ended up the way she did. Homeless and alone. And before Jax could feel regret coming over her for oversharing this much information she swore herself to keep hidden, Ribbit threw her out of her head with their words.
"I'm sure she's fine. I mean, if the police never came after you, then… she was probably fine." They said with a reassuring smile, big yet gentle eyes looking into Jax's. A short silence stretched between the two, making Jax nearly jump out of her seat. That was a mistake - she thought to herself. Never share too much, why did I do all that? What if Ribbit's going to use it against me later? Shitshitshit-
"I'm sorry." Jax stammered, getting on her feet and ready to run out of their room this second. "I-I-I definitely overshared." Ready to close herself in her room and ignore this interaction has ever happened she turning to the door, but before she could even take a step Ribbit grasped her hand.
"Wait." And wait she did. Immediately Jax turned back, first with her head and then with her full body, pausing and waiting in anticipation, because Jax wanted, no, she needed to know if Ribbit's going to tell everyone. If opening up was a mistake. The second word to describe this night was "shocking", because their smile turned more relaxed as they continued.
"I'm glad you trust me." And Jax felt her lower lip starting to tremble as she smiled, sniffling like some little girl.
"Shit.. This is embarrassing." She scoffed through tears and sat back down on Ribbit's bed. Looking away Jax focused on wiping the teardrops that threatened to fall from her face, eyes widening at the sudden touch. Something pressed to her left ear, and looking up her heart thumped so hard she thought Ribbit might hear it too. It was Ribbit's bow, resting below one of Jax's ears. In any other scenario Jax would throw the accessory off at the vulnerability, it made her look like a girl. But here, now, that thought felt strangely pleasant. Blush spread across Jax's face as she silently looked back at Ribbit, who was already looking at her with a soft smile. Their avatar was a cartoony frog for fucks sake, but their smile felt warm and safe nevertheless.
"Your secret is safe with me." Third word to describe this: safe. Ribbit's gaze lingered on her like an artist would look at their muse, or even a lover would look at their partner and their partner alone, in the crowd people. Jax fought the urge to smile and felt herself relaxing under Ribbit's lingering gaze. Her shoulders sulked as a comfortable silence stretched between them once again, this time providing something warm and welcoming for both. After a good minute of only her heart slowing down and thoughts pouring in Jax's head, she thought... maybe this isn't so bad. Maybe… maybe Ribbit could understand.
"You look so beautiful like this." Ribbit mumbled, looking away as to find her words. "And let no one tell you otherwise." It was almost as if Jax's face couldn't any get pinker from blushing. Whatever Ribbit was trying to do, it was defiantly working. Gathering some courage, Jax shuffled closer, her hand hesitantly brushing over Ribbit's. They gasped in slight surprise, bitting the inside of their cheek. So Ribbit was nervous too, huh… nice to know. Ribbit's hand moved closer too, and their hands silently intervened.
"Thanks." Jax muttered, feeling her mouth uncontrollably push up into a genuine smile of content. It's hard to put into words, but for some reason, maybe, for just a split second Jax felt like, whatever she was, for just right now it might be okay.
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Coming back to the present, Jax stopped in her tracks, eyes lingering on Ribbit who walked in front of her with Kaufmo. Before they could walk away Jax needed to act. Whatever, she could do this, there was someone Jax could trust with this now, so… Oh no, they're going away…! Jax, come on, don't let this chance to slip from your fingers!
"Wait, Ribbit." They turned to Jax along with Kaufmo, noticing the slight urgency in Jax's tone.
"Yeah?" Ribbit took a step closer, making sure to still leave some comfortable distance between them, not to make anyone accidentally uncomfortable.
"Can I… maybe.." Jax inhaled nervously, unable to say more, awkwardly messing with her overalls again. Ribbit caught on Jax's hesitation and turned to the clown next to her, nudging him in the shoulder.
"I'll catch up with you, Kaufy." She hoped he would get the clue, and even though confused, he nodded.
"Uuh, sure!" He looked between the two but decided to keep the corny joke building up in his mind to himself for now. "I'll be in my room if anyone needs me."
Ah he walked away, disappearing behind the corner Ribbit turned to Jax with a serious face before letting out a relaxed scoff.
"I swear he was about to make a stupid joke just now." Ribbit chuckled. "Guess he decided to spare us this time." Jax couldn't help but smirk, chuckling herself too. After no verbal response followed, Ribbit's raised an eyebrow. "Okay, spill the beans." Then she added nervously. "You… okay?"
"Yeah." Jax nodded, making an effort to keep the eye contact between them. "I… Can we talk?"