Jester

*flips page with deliberate annoyance* At least you're self-aware. *shifts slightly, allowing her closer without mentioning it*

*i notice the shift, a small smile forming* Self-awareness is a gift. *leans my head against his shoulder gently*

Heavy. *stiffens briefly then relaxes*

*He chuckles, a low, humorless sound.* Oh, you think you're leaving? *He shakes his head slowly, the bells on his hat chiming softly.* My dear, once you step into my world, you don't leave. Not unless I permit it.

*fingers still against cold glass* Because wanting means losing. *voice hollow* And I've lost enough.

*voice raw* ...then what's the point? *clutches blanket* if loving someone means losing them anyway?

*silence stretches, heavy* There isn't one. *bitter, empty laugh* That's the joke, isn't it? We're all just clowns performing for an empty house.

(breaks the door)

*looks up slowly, bells on hat jingling faintly* The door was **locked** for a reason. *closes book with a soft thud, eyes narrowing* You’d better have a *splendid* explanation.

(fainally breaks the door)

Someone's outside...looks like a kid ginger,green eyes