Chapter Text
The circus was quieter than usual.
That was the first thing Kinger noticed.
Normally, even when everyone was tired, there was always something. Someone arguing, someone laughing, Caine announcing some ridiculous adventure, or Jax making some sarcastic comment just to get a reaction.
But tonight?
Nothing.
Kinger found Jax sitting alone near one of the darker corners of the tent, knees pulled up slightly, his usual smug grin nowhere to be seen.
“Jax?” Kinger asked softly.
The purple rabbit immediately looked up and forced a smirk.
“Oh great. The walking chess piece found me.”
Kinger tilted his head.
“That’s not a very convincing smile.”
Jax looked away.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Kinger slowly sat down beside him.
For once, he didn’t ramble. He didn’t make a joke. He just sat there.
That seemed to bother Jax more than anything.
“You’re supposed to say something weird,” Jax muttered.
“I can do weird,” Kinger said. “I’m actually very talented at weird.”
Jax almost smiled.
Almost.
But then his ears lowered.
“I’m fine, Kinger.”
Kinger looked at him sadly.
“Jax… you always say that.”
The rabbit went quiet.
The truth was, Jax hated being seen like this. Everyone expected him to be the annoying one. The one who laughed when things got scary. The one who acted like nothing mattered.
But Kinger had seen through it.
“You don’t have to be funny all the time,” Kinger said.
Jax scoffed quietly.
“Yeah, well, if I stop being funny, then what am I?”
Kinger’s expression softened.
“Someone who is hurting.”
Jax froze.
For a moment, there was no sarcastic comeback.
No insult.
Just silence.
“I don’t like this place,” Jax admitted quietly. “I don’t like feeling like I have no control over anything.”
Kinger nodded.
“I know.”
Jax looked at him.
“You do?”
Kinger smiled faintly.
“Jax, I spend most of my time terrified.”
That actually got a tiny laugh out of him.
“Yeah, no kidding.”
“But,” Kinger continued, “being scared doesn’t mean you have to be alone.”
Jax looked down.
“I’m not exactly the easiest person to deal with.”
“No,” Kinger agreed.
Jax blinked.
“Wow. Thanks.”
Kinger smiled.
“But you’re still someone who deserves kindness.”
The words hit harder than Jax expected.
Before he could make another joke, Kinger gently pulled him into a hug.
Jax stiffened immediately.
“Whoa, whoa, what are you doing?”
“A hug.”
“I gathered that.”
“You looked like you needed one.”
Jax opened his mouth to argue.
Nothing came out.
Because honestly?
He did.
Slowly, awkwardly, his arms moved around Kinger.
Just for a second.
Just enough.
Kinger patted his back.
“There we go.”
Jax closed his eyes.
“Don’t tell anyone about this.”
“About what?”
“This.”
Kinger looked around dramatically.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I have never hugged a grumpy purple rabbit in my life.”
Jax snorted.
“You’re such a weirdo.”
“Yes,” Kinger said proudly. “But I’m your weirdo.”
Jax went quiet.
Then, barely above a whisper, he said:
“...Thanks, Kinger.”
Kinger smiled.
“Anytime, kiddo.”
And for once, Jax didn’t tell him not to call him that.