Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Pushing the doorknob, she was faced with an endless white, pulsing, void.

Before she knew it, she was laying on the floor of an old, abandoned, office... Staring at white foam ceiling tiles on the ceiling, adorned gloriously in water stains and mold on white wallpaper.

She pushed herself up, pressing her palm to her temple as she tried to think how exactly she got here.

...

How ... Many years had it been? Days? Weeks?...

How long has she been trapped in a neverending circus, with her friends?

And now, as she sat in a moist, office, carpet... Were her friends even real? Was... Any of that real???!

She moved her pale, slender hand, to her chest and heaved a deep breath, before pinching her skin just to make sure *she* was real. She was. She felt the pain shoot up her arm, only to exhale in relief as she shakily moved to stand... It all certainly felt real. But...
...

She stared at a computer, now across from her... it slowly flickering off, and then dying to nothing. Just a machine... And now on the floor, was the headset that had trapped her there in the beginning.

She stood still, briefly mourning the maybe loss of her friends. Surely, they could escape too, right?

She turned, now staring into the deep void of an old, abandoned office. She remembered now how she got to the circus -- urban exploring this old office. For fun! Hah! Hahaha! How stupid she was.

...

She began to run down empty halls, calling for her friends, considering her options to call out first. Desperately, she brought her hands to her mouth and hollered. 

"RAGATHA —" She called, as her legs carried her heavy feeling body. Only now did she realize how ridiculous their names sounded uttered from her mouth and not a cartoon avatar. After no answer, her behavior began to feel more desperate. Was it real??

"— JAX?! - GANGLE, ZOOBLE- ANYONE???" she called, desperately. Have torn between escaping this hellscape or finding her friends.

She ran and ran, before weighing her options, before hearing coughing from a room she ran past moments before. She backtracked rapidly, before flinging a door open to a office. The door squealed on its hinges...

And sitting on the floor was a woman, not much taller in stature than Pomni herself.

In the dark, the woman was only illuminated by a dim and dying computer screen, wearing a red button up.

Her hair was a dark black, with dyed white pieces in the front. She looked a little bit younger than herself, but the worried expression on her face gave her away rather than her appearance.

"Gangle?" She asked, quietly, moving to scoop and sit the poor woman onto their knees. The unknown woman in front of her furrowed her eyebrows, as if trying to identify exactly who she was, and why the name gangle seemed familiar. Before her eyes widened, and her face lit up.

"...Pomni?"

Right, that had been her namel before.

It was alarming how much she felt like her memories were getting hazy already. It had only been a few moments.

"Right. Yes. — I'm sorry but— C'mon, we have to find the others." She ushered, helping the woman up. Gangle, or, the woman now standing beside her, had a long curtain of lashes and impossibly black irises. She was certainly conventionally attractive, with high cheekbones, a narrow face, and big eyes. She certainly looked the part of an art student drop out --,, no offense.

The woman took the time to stare at her, before nodding curtly to herself, summoning a brave face. "Right. -- we have to find ZOOBLE- oh, zooble. I hope she made it." Gangle mumbled.

It made sense, the two of them had gotten pretty close... Pomni had already made the assumption the two of them had gotten together in their last moments in the circus, reading the other side. Then, as they ran through dark hallways, looking through offices and meeting rooms, the woman on her arm suddenly gave halt, staring at floor.

"Kinger... He's..."

...

"Is he...?"

Pomni dry swallowed, as she stopped mid run to look over her shoulder. She nodded, before turning her head forward.

"...Let's... just go." She answered, as they continued their search. She refused to believe it. Not now. 

Just when all her hope was lost, pomni spotted a familiar light of a computer currently dying to nothing. She could recognize it like a dying star. ... As the two of them opened the door, pomni nearly fell to her knees in relief.

Ragatha, or whatever her actual name could possibly be, sat at a desk, passed out cold, but seemingly coming to.

Pomni nearly jumped over the desk to reach her, shaking her awake frantically, due to her state. 

A few moments later, gangle met her side, and the two of them tried to stir the pretty redhead from her rest. Pomni, during this moment, noticed it seemed like their avatars were based on their physical appearances somehow.

"Ragatha??? Ragatha, please, please, wake up." Pomni urged, now lifting her friend up by the chin. Dark blue eyes suddenly met her in a shock, before rapidly trying to quite literally come with terms with reality. Her eyebrows furrowed deeply, before her eyes suddenly widened.

"We escaped." She said, suddenly with a gasp, sitting up in the desk chair. Ragatha's eyes flicked to the woman on either side of her. She seemed to realize that, they too, had been based on appearances. She stared at gangle first, concluding that was her, before her eyes slid back over to pomni, who had been staring her down with a mixture of concern and relief
... And something else she couldn't place. She turned her gaze back to Gangle.

"Gangle?"

"...Yes."

The ginger turned her gaze to the other woman, who's eyes were such a warm brown. She had a bobbed brown hair, which was tied slightly back, and strong eyebrows. She couldn't exactly identify Pomni's descent, but she was beautifully composed. She had such a concerned look on her face, ragatha couldn't help but to give a weak a smile.

"Pomni."

Pomni now have a little nod, her own gaze softening some, before helping the tall woman up to her feet. She towered over the two of them, and her long red hair did indeed have ringlets of curls. She had fair skin, and was adorned in many freckles and moles.

"We just need to find Jax, Zooble, and. ..."

The silence lingered in the air, the reminder that kinger would not be joining them.

...

The three of them entered the hall once more.

Gangle held the most worried expression, hoping to find her beloved, Zooble.

As they now walked, not ran, they called out for her name, making sure to check the entire floor, before descending down a floor herself and telling the other two to go above a floor and search.

-----

"Hey..."

"Hey." Replied pomni, helping the presumed Zooble up into their feet, their calm eyes scanned pomni up and down. "Pomni."

She nodded, relaxing at zoobles calm demeanor despite everything.

"Hows g-"

"First one to wake up." She answered, causing a smile to appear on Zoobles lips. Their hair was short and pink, with a shaved side and long on the other. They were decorated in many piercings and tattoos, and Pomni couldn't help but to think how fitting the two of them were together. She helped their friend up, before looking around in thought.

"Jax?" Zooble inquired, seemingly reading her mind.

She shook her head, surprised when she didn't hear soft bells ringing in her ear. She looked over, before blinking.

"He's the last one."

"... Kinger?"

Pomni shook her head once more, before chewing her lip.

"Right."

She was sort of glad the zooble managed to shorten their conversations into simple words... She didn't have the heart to explain everything.

"C'mon. Let's go find fuck face." Zooble said, obviously referring to Jax. 

Zooble's calm energy seemed to have calm everyone to a degree of less panic.

"He's not — entirely awful." She replied, now walking with zooble, before shrugging. It seemed the two of them were the quickest to adapt to being human again. 

"That's easy for you to say." Zooble replied, looking down at Pomni as they ascended the stairs. "... He practically tormented everyone here."

...

"Yeah, but you can't... blame him. It was all ... Fake." She replied, staring ahead as they walked. Although, she heard the footsteps beside her come to a sudden stop, causing pomni to stop too and look over. Zooble glared at her.

...

"Nice one, Pomni." They said, squinting their eyes.

"That's not what I meant—" she tried to defend, before sighing. She scratched the back of her neck, trying to understand how she had gotten so defensive over Ragatha and Jax. She had someone became a mediator between everyone. She turned, on the stairwell to stare down at zooble.

"It... Was real. Our feelings... Just. ... I guess he was trying to survive like all of us. I'm sure he won't. ... Be an asshole now that we're all human." She replied, although unsure of her words.

Zoobles gaze lingered on her, before they sighed and tilted their head while crossing their arms, still walking.

"It's a good thing you're pretty."

"Wha."

Zooble snorted, before ascending the steps again, surpassing Pomni.

"C'mon."

Chapter Text

They climbed the stairs, only to be met with two disappointed looks as she reached the top. Ragatha watched as the hopefulness was lost in her eyes, just as gangle practically pounced on zooble behind her.

Pomni stared at Ragatha's complicated face, and she just stared right back. Ever cheerful, she tried to remain optimistic, as the sound of happy giggles commenced behind Pomni.

Those two couldn't care less of Jax had made it out -- he had made their lives absolutely hellish.

"I'm sure he's somewhere." Pomni told Ragatha. Ragatha, meanwhile, stared at Pomni.

Pomni was the shortest out of all of them, as she came to find out...  and the way she held her shoulders and tight arms would make you think she wasn't so small. Her shoulders were wide, and her arms looked strong. She wore a sort of army green windbreaker, and it hid her physique quite well.. with a camera around her neck and settling on her chest. She was quite beautiful, but had a sort of tomboyish, masculine, energy to her that didn't convey in her avatar. She wondered why red, blue, and yellow seemed to be translated, when she couldn't see any of those colors on pomni, until she spotted the camera lanyard around her neck; bright and noticeable... The same sort of shade in her jester form.

Right... Pomni used to do urban exploring and post them online.

Pomni looked around the hallway, now standing besides Ragatha.

The two of them had been so focused on finding everyone, the lingering question of "now what" and "what if ..." was slowly becoming prevalent.

How do they move on, and how long has it been?

By one glance at Ragatha, Pomni could tell she had been in the circus far longer than her, due to her clothes. They were nothing too outlandish, but read more as "90's corporate" than anything modern. Almost like she had worked here? Or maybe... Right. Real estate.

She didn't ask. Not that she didn't care but because she was really only worried about Jax now. While she knew no one really liked him — besides Ragatha who had came back around, —the two of them had become close.

"... Maybe there's a room we missed." Pommi said, as she took pomni's hand and began to walk into the dark. Pomni fell silent, letting her worries consume her. Maybe Jax didn't make it after all...

Pomni turned her gaze to Ragatha once more as they pushed open doors to old offices. "Rag-... ... What's your name, Ragatha?" She tried. This gave Ragatha pause, as she looked down at Pomni with furrowed thin eyebrows.

Almost like she was trying to remember her name.

"Elizabeth." She said, after a moment. The name lingered in the air for a moment, before she gave a soft smile. "... Elizabeth.... And yours, Pomni? Do you remember yours yet?"

Pomni's lips pressed into a thin line, before she chewed on her bottom lip. Finally, she shook her head.

"No." She confessed, before pushing into the room. "I don't even rememb— EEK!" She had started, before something grabbed her ankle and she rapidly back tracked into Elizabeth. Formerly known as Ragatha.

Ragatha jumped too as she quickly scooped the poor jester into her arms, before observing what had exactly grabbed her ankle... Pomni fumbled with her pockets for a second in her jacket, before pulling out a flashlight. Much to both of their surprises, it was a man on the floor who had grabbed pomni's ankles!

It took pomni a second, but she realized after a moment who it could possibly be.

"Jax!!!" Both Ragatha and Pomni announced. She practically lunged for the man, who was laying flat on the floor. The computer behind the man was already off, and it looked like the headset had been thrown far away against a wall. He flipped the man with great effort onto his back; as she noticed the flannel the man was wearing matched the pinkish red overalls Jax's avatar wore. What was alarming though, is the man didn't seem to be doing as well as the others had been when they escaped. His face, although dark in nature,was sheened with sweat, and his eyebrows were sharpened like he was in pain.

Pomni frantically moved the flashlight around, only to realize the carpet she was sitting in here wasn't sticky and wet from moisture, but blood. For some reason, it seemed like Jax had been bleeding here for far longer than the rest of them.

Then it occurred to her, In their final moments of beating an abstracted Caine... Jax had taken a nasty blow, and was left glitching as they all escaped. ... In some ways, it relieved her to know that this was all, technically, real. However, she was preoccupied by the man, who seemed for better or worse, unconscious.

She scanned Jax's body as Ragatha aggressively fussed over Jax, trying to wake him up, before she spotted the wound, just above Jax's hip and into his side. It was oozing, and it seemed like the poor rabbit had lost just enough to fall unconscious. Or he was just in shock. She wasn't sure.

Luckily, she carried a first aide with her as she did these sort of adventures. Soley for the fact she was utterly and completely clumsy sometimes. She had a few scars from her adventures.

In no time, the wound was cleaned, dressed, and stitched - although not professionally - where they could rest knowing Jax would be okay.

Pomni sighed in relief, finally taking a second to breathe as she watched Ragatha practically hyperventilate at the sight of blood. Eventually, Ragatha moved to sit next to her, against a wooden desk, as they awaited for Jax to stir. Although, she was unsure how long this would take.

"It's a good thing you have that....,,," Ragatha spoke while looking over and rubbing her face. She took a second to look at her fingers before back to Pomni's slightly hardened expression.

"He's just lucky we found him." She said, before scooting back to Jax's body. She took this time to observe his calm face, now that the two of them weren't in a panic. Jax's skin was like a warm, dark brown, amber. He had a bit of scruff on his chin, and a strong nose and long eyelashes...

Overall, he was quite pretty... Which was a shame, because Pomni had always thought he was compensating his attitude for being ugly, but alas... He wore that signature flannel, although it was stained with red.

He seemed the tallest out of all of them. Pomni took one of his strong hands, before squeezing it. She rubbed circles in his palm idly in thought... Taking note that there were calluses there. What could he done for work? He never really talked about himself.

And would he keep dismissing his own feelings, now that they were all human?

Before Pomni could dwell any longer, she felt her hand being squeezed, just once, before looking back at Jax's face, who had the same sleezy... Albeit weak,... Smile.

"Pompom."
"Jax."
"Rags."
"Jax!"

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

The whole time while in the circus, Pomni had quickly lost hope that she would ever escape from it. Now, as she and her friends touched sunlight for the first time in ...

God, who knows... She outstretched her hand, basking in the warmth, before slowly upturning her head to the sun, staring out at the endless blue sky. ...

"It's hard to believe that ... This is real." Said the man beside her, who was leaning against Ragatha with some effort to stand on his legs. For once, his voice didn't seem so sardonic. He just seemed in genuine awh that they could all look and feel the sun. Pomni, for the most part, agreed, but she couldn't help but to swallow on a dry throat, as guilt ate her alive about Kinger... Why couldn't he make it too? Why couldn't he deserve to see the sun and the sky again too? Out of all of them - Everyone who had suffered - Kinger couldn't see the daylight, just once?

...

Why her?

Pomni rubbed her eyes then, as Ragatha took notice. She squeezed her shoulder, silently, unable to form any comprehensive words of comfort. She just looked, before staring at the grass at her feet. Ragatha had been at the circus for such a long time herself, she couldn't help but to feel a little numb at if all. Like all the people, she mourned over the years. ...

Pomni steeled herself, suddenly.

She balled her fists before taking a deep breath. Then, she marched forward, before stopping again.

...

"Now what?"

...

Everyone seemed to have the same question themselves. How do you... Move on? Do they just go home? Do they start new lives? All of them had never thought about actually escaping — if anything, a hopeful wish... So now ..what?...

It was obvious time had passed at their absence. Pomni was half tempted to start probing about everyone's lives. How did they end up at the old, abandoned, office? ... Dud some of them work here before? Intern? How did they show up here, when it had been abandoned for so long.

The silence was deafening.

Did all of them split up? Would they discuss amongst themselves about the past? That kinger didn't make it? Did they go home?

She had so many questions, yet no one seemed to answer her.

She dropped her hands and looked forward again at the lack of answers, before scratching the back of her neck.

...

...

"I guess we go home?" Gangle suggested; meekly from the back. Everyone turned her gaze to her, as she held hands with zooble firmly.

Easier said then done, Pomni guessed. She shrugged.

"I guess." She answered, before glancing around at everyone again. She looked down again. "...So, Like, how do we stay in touch?" She asked as she looked up. There was a sort of another silence, before Ragatha spoke up again.

"I guess... We should all have phone numbers, yeah? Let's try that!" She suggested, smiling weakly. "I think. . . We're all tired and eager to get home, so! Let's all meet up again soon." She suggested.

The group them mumbled amongst themselves in agreement, but there was a sort of tension in the air Pomni couldn't place. Still, with phone numbers traded, some left, already planning to start their new lives... Not wanting to linger here anymore.

In the end, Pomni found herself staring at the entrance to the office, alone.

...

So that was it, huh?

She stared longer, before sitting down on a rusty bench nearby, just staring at the formidable building. It was odd, how she felt. She had finally felt like she had made some true friends. And now, as all of them walked free, she couldn't help to feel as if she was just a ... Burden to everyone. Like it wasn't real.

She brushed her worries to stress and shock of her situation, before placing her hands on her knee.

So, like, she should go home, right? ...

She didn't.

She listened to the birds. She listened to the sound of crickets, before finally, as the moon rose, she decided to leave the place that turned her life upside down.

---

Going home wasn't as easy as she thought. She didn't have anyone to go home *to.* No pets, no family. Just, a shitty hole in the wall apartment.

At least, she thought would be her apartment. As she went to slide the key into her door, she found that it wouldn't open. Not thinking this could be a possibility, she tried forcing the key in, only to hear blissfully unaware discussions on the other side.

She took a couple steps back, as she gazed at the door and made sure that this was, in fact, her apartment number. Seeing it was...

"Fuck."

...

At least cursing actually felt good again.

Her apartment had been sold. So, that, was, Awesome. That meant all her possessions were gone in the wind too. Awesome!!!

The jester cursed to herself as she hurried downstairs, mumbling to herself as she descended stairs to the shitty ideal of a lobby.

...

At the reception of the run down combination of a laundry mat and a leasing place, she placed her key down on the desk as she cleared her throat. The attending woman looked up from typing to stare at her, before making a comment on her appearance.

"You look like you've been through hell." The receptionist commented, making Pomni scoff some, before smiling in annoyance.

"Yah. You could say that. Uhm- so, here's the thing... I was on a little... Trip, and I just came back and, I can't help but to see my apartment is leased to another person.' She stated, sliding her key over.

The receptionist nodded, before shrugged. Not seeming to question much about her story. She just typed away on her computer.

"Name?" She asked, glancing up from her glasses.

"Po- .. uhm,"

"Yes?..."

" Sophie."

"Last name?"

"Quin?"

"Are you sure?" Joked the receptionist, as she typed away. If only Pomni could answer she wasn't. Just in case, she pulled out her wallet, and glanced at her ID. Yes ... Sophie Quin. That was her name.

She slid her ID over, and the woman took it, along with the key.

"Right, here you are... Says you left two years ago. You stopped paying rent, so we evicted you."

Pomni blinked, before she was returned her ID. She pocketed everything before nodding.

"So, I'm homeless now."

"Seems like it, kid."

Pomni stood there for a few moments; knowing damn well she didn't have the funds to get another apartment. She was pretty sure she was out of a job too, all things considering. School too.

"Any family 'round here?" Suggested the receptionist, ever so unhelpfully. Pomni just shook her head, before looking down at her feet. "Well... Maybe try going back to whatever you just were?" Suggested the woman... Once again, pomni felt a murderous urge to throw her backpack over the counter for some reason.

"Uhm. No. ... Thanks for your help." She replied, touching her temple in stress, before exiting the lobby.

Outside the night sky awaited her, where stood in silence, listening to drones of electrical poles and watched as distant cars drove past on the highway.

...

"Fuck."

At least that was a saving grace.

She clicked her cellphone out of her pocket, finding that it was covered in Jax's blood. Wow! What a nice souvenir! She wiped it with a huff, before staring at the dead battery icon flashing on the phone.

If she could abstract now, she'd certainly like to!

She pocketed her phone before rubbing her face and groaning in utter annoyance. All she wanted right now was a hot shower. That's like, all she wanted! Maybe even a soft bed!

What do you even do in this situation? It's not like she could go to a random crises place and explain she was in a virtual fucking CIRCUS FOR TWO YEARS!!!

Eventually, she calmed herself down enough to start walking the street. If she could figure out where to charge her phone, she could at least maybe call someone to help her out.

But the premise of asking for some help itself felt like a daunting task upon itself.

"Hey, I'm homeless, can I crash at your place?"- Pomni rather felt like dying. Maybe a 24/7 gym? Did they even do that here? It's not like she could look it up.

---

Eventually, Pomni found herself in a small town diner after wandering for a few hours. She hadn't realized it until now, as she stared at neon signs outside, how hungry she had been until this moment. Like, her body had grown accompanied without food.

Thankfully the waitress here at this 24 hour diner didn't seem to question her appearance of messy hair and bloodstained clothes. She simply asked her if she wanted anything to eat, and where she wanted to sit.

Pomni chose to sit at the bar, considering it was empty- right by the windows outside and by the corner. For some reason, it brought her comfort to sit close to the emergency exit... Just so she could keep an eye on it.

The cheerful energy of the diner managed to surpress Pomni's dread for living right now. The jester ordered herself a big helping of pancakes and a shake.

As the food was soon after placed in front of her, she couldn't help but to feel a nagging sensation. So, as she looked up suddenly — mid sip — she watched a man sit next to her, only to pause himself mid movement.

".... Jax??"

"...Pom..ni?"

...

The man stared at her, before sitting with a soft of defeated moment, before he smiled, as if in still character.

"No where to go, huh?" He asked, like it was funny.

"I think Ragatha said she was going to drop you at the hospital." She stated, weary dripping from her voice. All she wanted to do was sleep right about now.

Jax gave a shrug, before moving to order himself food too, and scooting closer to pomni now.

"She did, but I left. I don't have hospital money. Do you?"

"I don't even have house money, apparently." Pomni replied, her voice dripping with annoyance as she stabbed at her pancakes with a fork.

Jax raised an eyebrow, before a pie was placed in front of him, with a serving of ice cream. He began to pick at it.

"Me neither. I wasn't exactly *rich* when I got trapped." Jax finally spoke, as he ate a bite of pie. Pomni watched as his eyes sparkled at the taste- finally able to feel full after so long. "I didn't exactly realize hospital bills got more expensive while I was gone either."

Pomni looked at her food as well, before taking her own bite.

...

It was a while before either of them spoke again. Their food, half devoured.

"How long were you gone for?" She asked.

Jax gave pause at this question; she couldn't help but to notice it was like he would in the circus... before,  he seemed to continue on like nothing... With the same sleezy smile on his face. But Pomni had already taken notice of his subtle microexpressions before they were gone. They were to an exact science to his Avatar.

The way his eyes would dilate, or he'd look away, of the way his mouth would twitch, before eventually sliding into that stupid smile she hated. 

She took a bite of her pancakes, Jax finally answered.

"Long enough."

...

"You don't have any family either." She stated, rather than questioned. Jax didn't answer her this time... and she knew her answer.

Chapter Text

Pomni let his silence linger; only because he often didn't. 

As the two of them ate, she cleared her plate before speaking once more. 

"Did ... You ... Um, have anyone .. beforehand?" She asked, watching Jax pick at the pie some more. Eventually, he spoke, looking away and shrugging. He didn't care look at the eyes that could read him like an open book. 

"I hate it when you do that." He sneered, instinctively. ... 

Pomni was unbothered. She just tilted her head, furrowing her eyebrows. 

"Do what?"

"That." He answered, before pushing the plate away, and finally making eye contact with her. Pomni watched as Jax gave her a halfhearted glare, but she just sat there, ever so observant with big, warm, doe eyes.  "You don't need to figure me out."

She just shrugged; as she held her gaze evenly with Jax's. 

"You're my friend. I don't think it's wrong to figure you out." She said, genuinely. This caused Jax to faulter some, before scoffing quietly and folding his hands. Finally, he answered the question he avoided in the first place. 

"Yes. Okay? I *had* a family. ... They're not even here anymore." He said, shrugging. "That makes you happy?"

"No. It doesn't." She answered. She let her words hang there for a moment, before giving a soft smile. Tentatively, she reached over and squeezed Jax's shoulder. "... I'm sorry.... I'm... Sorry that happened to you, Jax." 

"Mitch."

"What?"

"My name. It was Mitch."

"...."

"..."

"It *is* Mitch." Pomni corrected, softly, trying to smile some.

Hearing his name uttered back for the first time in so long... It hurt, in a strange way. In a good way. ... In a good way. 

"What's yours?" He finally asked, turning in his chair, gingerly to face her. After all, his side was still hurting. He watched her face shift all sorts of complicated expressions. 

"Sophie."

Jax gently elbowed her, before looking down at his pie. After a second, he offered her the rest. "Here. — I don't want it... Sophie." He looked like he was thinking about making fun of her name, but ultimately decided not to. He was too tired.

"Er- honestly it feels weird now." She confessed, laughing for the first time in how long. Jax watched the way the corner of her eyes would crease and the way her lip curled. "If you want you can still call me Pomni." She said, as she pushed the pie resolutely to Jax; refusing his offer. 

"Whatever you say, Pompom." He said as he flashed her a wink. She rolled her eyes and elbowed him into his good side, before it made him fake hiss in pain and dramatically go "owwww."

Her eyes widened, before seeing his stupid smirk, and she elbowed him again. 

"Shut up and eat your food." She ordered, rolling her eyes. 

"Anything for you, Sophie~"

"Ugh."

———

After some banter, the two exited the diner, watching the moon near the horizon. 

The two stared at it, before Jax glanced at her and raised an eyebrow. 

"Wanna go to the beach?"

"Huh." Replied Pomni, who was looking at the horizon. She turned her gaze to the rabbit; who was infact, a really tall man. It seemed they kept their height difference. Damnit. 

He then pointed to the sunrise, causing Pomni to fold her hands in thought. "It's not far, if I remember correctly, from here."

Then, to Jax's surprise, she shrugged and nodded. 

"I don't have anywhere better to be. Do you?" She asked, watching her eyes get some spark of joy in them behind the bags of lack of sleep. They were both exhausted, but... They had each other for a moment. 

Jax gave a slow nod. 

"Let's take the bus."

"Sound good." She replied. 

And, they were off.  Pomni waited at the bus stop patiently with Jax... And honestly, she was glad he was here, now. She hated to admit it, but she didn't exactly enjoy braving the city by herself. Sure, she knew self defense... But she couldn't trust anyone. At least she knew Jax.  And, at least she knew her theory about him changing to be less of an asshole was true, now that they were free. 

He stood behind her as they waited. 

"I want a cigarette." He stared, causing pomni to grimace. 

"Ew? You smoked?"

"Well, yeah." He said, rubbing the back of his neck in annoyance. "At least I did. I wanted to quit... And, I guess I'm fine without it. But, there's times like this where you just want one." He stated, tilting his head and looking down at Pomni... She was illuminated by the street light. She sneered and shook her head. 

"Gross."

"You're gross." He replied, causing another laugh from her. He smirked victoriously, before looking ahead. 

"What are other times?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. 

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

"Ew. You really are a man." She said, rolling her eyes. 

He only laughed at her reaction, before looking ahead as the bus rolled up the unmaintained road. He pulled out his wallet, using the change to pay for the both of them as they got on the bus. 

She took a seat first, only to help Jax sit down a moment later. He was still limping. Honestly, he should be resting his leg... But the two of them had gotten the urge to go feel alive and see the sun again. It was nice. 

The two of them were on the bus alone, so she relaxed some as the bust started to roll through to the coast. 

She took a moment, before eventually leaning against Jax and closing her eyes. He naturally rested and arm around her shoulders, staring outside. Neither of them thought about their actions too much. It just was. 

The two of them against the world. 

Chapter Text

The bus ride was uneventful. Eventually, as they arrived at the beach, he nudged Pomni awake with his elbow.

"Pom- Soph— whoever you are. We're here." He said, causing her to stir and wake up. She yawned and stretched some, before sitting up at the view of the ocean. Her eyes widened, before she sprung up and tugged Jax along, before remembering he couldn't move very fast right about now.

So, instead, she took her time, and helped him down the steps. The road here was far more maintened then the road they were on prior. This one of course, was for for tourists. Thankfully, no one was at the beach at this hour. You'd be insane or a health freak to be this early.

The sun had just began to show itself over the sea, which she pointed out to Jax, who nodded. The two of them walked past the gates and walked down to the ocean. All things considered, it could of been romantic, if not for the sun representing how they both felt about their newfound freedom. The sea breeze stayed current, battering their clothes and rustling sea oats as they made their way over sand dunes.

Finally, finally, at the water, Pomni outstretched her hands and laughed victoriously. It was the first time since they escaped did she realize that they were finally *free!*
She cheered, hollered, and kicked off her shoes, before running to the water. She stepped in, now feeling the cold water over her feet, before she finally turned back— her back to the sun, smiling ear to ear towards Jax.

He had taken a moment to stay back on the sand, his eyes momentarily on the sun, before falling on Pomni. His smile only grew, and he gave an innocent shrug.

"WE DID IT JAX!" she called over the sea and the wind, her hair wildly whipping in the sea breeze. "WE DID IT!" She repeated.

"WE DID IT!" He replied back, finally, throwing his own hands up victoriously— only because her excitement was completely infectious. He met her at the sea line in moments. He gave a genuine laugh after a second, smiling *a real* smile.

She noticed the way he avoided the water, before taking his hand and pulling him into the sea with him.

"My shoes—!" He complained, before gosring at Pomni. She only smirked, before trying to run away before her inevitable fate of becoming wet. Which of course, was exactly what Jax did. He chased her as fast as he could. "C'MERE!"

She yelled in fear as she jogged awa from Jax, before turning around, now running backwards. "HAHAHA— CATCH ME NOW!!!" She declared, as she kept s steady pace between them.

"C'MONN POMNI— THIS ISN'T FAIR." He complained. Pomni only cackled, splashing water in his direction with her foot ... Before promptly falling on her ass from a mistep.

They both paused, before Jax pointed and laughed maniacally at an impromptu revenge.

"HAH! HAHAHA! GET SCREWED!"

Pomni blinked, now soaked, before laughing too, tsking at herself. Yeah, she deserved that.

She stood up, dripping in clothes, but at least she was happy. She guessed that's all she needed right now, being fed and happy. "Oh screw off "Mitch."" She said, paraphrasing his name with quotations.

He gave pause, because splashing water in her direction again. This caused Pomni to defend herself with her arms, only getting more wet. She snorted, before whipping her wet jacket off and throwing it at him- which he caught in his hands, before observing it in all it's soppiness.

He moved the jacket back and forth in his hands for a moment. He saw a name ingrained in the collar, before he ran his hands over it. It read "Quin."

Jax placed it over on his arm before wading over in ankle deep water. He helped Pomni up, before bringing up his findings to the Jester.

"This jacket's a little bit big for you, yeah?"

"Yeah. - ws'my dad's." She said, sporting some sort of band shirt underneath her jacket. Jax also made the note that Pomni was a little ripped for being so... Like, small. Or something. She looked like a video game character protagonist. Which was kind of ironic.

She retrieved her jacket from his arms, before Pomni turned to face the sunrise again, holding her soaked jacket to her chest.

"Now what?" She asked again. Jax shrugged again, now moving to stand beside her once more. At this, Jax shrugged, before falling silent. He glanced at her, before sighing in annoyance towards himself for getting so annoyingly sappy and soft around her. He should just move on, forget about everyone.

,"I still have a house... It's not *amazing* or anything, but you could crash on the couch... Or something. I don't care what you do." He said, before she blinked. She looked naturally suspicious before looking away. Rather she liked that idea, was up to debate. Pomni never was someone that relied on anyone. She liked having friends, but from what Jax could psychoanalyze from her, she valued her independence more than anything. She didn't ask for help, and she'd rather die than ask for it. So it seemed like she was heavily weighing on her dignity here.

Pomni looked up, before giving a slow, hesitant, nod.

"Just for a bit." She said, rubbing her arm. "I just... Really need a shower, and—"

"Yeah you do." Jax joked with a smirk, causing pomni to thwack him with the back of her hand with a sardonic laugh.

"Haha." She replied, squinting, before continuing. "I won't be long. I promise."

"I don't care, take as long as you want." Jax said, genuinely. And truth be told, he hadn't gone back yet. He felt too much fear at the idea of entering the doors to his old life. At least with Pomni, he could feign some confidence. He found that if he had someone to fake it until he made it, he could do anything.

She nodded wearily, before the two of them returned to the shore.

"It's not too far away... Like, a 15 minute walk. If you're up to that." He said, as he turned his gaze to the the people who were beginning to fill onto the beach.

"Are *you* up to it?" She bantered, now taking his arm and dragging him back onto the beach. He allowed himself to be dragged to and fro at Pomni's will. He didn't mind, ... Actually, he was kinda tired. And by kinda a lot. And like, in agonizing pain. ,,,

"Yeah." He said, which earned a long look from the jester, before she shrugged and started walking.

Chapter Text

She stood behind Jax, now shivering from their brief escapade to the beach. It was fun, but now both of them were soaked to the bone. And, while it was summer -- she was pretty sure -- she was freezing at any breeze. 

She held herself, staring at Jax as he went through his handful of keys to various things. She found herself glad that at least one of them had gotten to keep their belongings. She turned her gaze to his face. 

Jax ... Or, "Mitch", seemed to hold a permanent smile on his face. At first she thought it was just a simple quirk about his Avatar... Now she was thinking it had become either a nervous habit or a... Well, honestly, Pomni didn't really know now. It was somewhere between endearing and sad, so she didn't say anything. But, she made the mental note to mention that he didn't have to smile or smirk anymore. It just came off a bit creepier than their avatars. 

As Jax opened the door finally, he pushed it open with a shove from his shoulder, as it seemed the old paint made the door stick. He then gestured with his hand to his old abode. 

It wasn't anything too special. Looked like a one bedroom house, kitchen... Bathroom. Etc. A studio, she guessed. She looked around, before staring at the warm colored walls. They were yellow, but not an obnoxious yellow... Just, a warm mellow yellow. 

She shuffled in, hesitantly. 

I mean, following a man into his home was always going to be a bit awkward... Let's just get for real here. But, Jax was a friend... And she utterly and truly believed in his good nature underneath all the bullshit he put out as a front. And that included "pulling any strings" to play any moves. They were both tired, and honestly, she was just glad Jax had come to her aide when he did. What were the chances the two of them ended up at the same diner?

She set her backpack down against the wall, before Jax closed the door behind him slowly, before turning to face the elephant the room that was his old house. He inhaled, deeply, through his nose, at the sight, before exhaling slowly as he looked around. 

Pomni, meanwhile, shuffled to the living room. Her gaze was drawn to the table... It was covered in dust, but looked practically untouched. Like, someone had just walked away from everything and everyone. Even a game controller remote to the t.v across from her had looked like it had been placed with the intention of coming back later to tidy up. She tapped on an old glass, that was dry and covered in dust, sitting on a coaster.  It reminded her of the abandoned buildings she liked to explore in her free time... 

Her eyes followed from the coffee table, which had proudly displayed a hit first person shooter game of 2007. 

"Wow, I used to play this all the time." She stated, picking up the game and dusting off the dirt off it, before placing it down again. She didn't hear any answer or remark behind her. Soon, Pomni turned her gaze to a framed photo of a woman standing beside a younger looking Jax. 

She tilted her head, before observing the woman closely. The two of them looked similar, except the woman looked a little older than Jax. It occurred to her, then, that this might of been a sibling. 

"This your sister?" She asked, turning to face Jax, but he was nowhere to be found. She blinked at his quiet he could move, before setting the photo down and staring at it a bit more. She only frowned some when she realized the frame had an angel on top... And she could honestly figure out the rest. "...sorry." She told the picture; taking the time to pat it once, before exploring some more. She realized her need for warmth had diminished at the more curious she felt to get to know Jax further. 

She turned her gaze to the walls, which had been decorated in various posters of old bands, games, movies, and some rather ... Uhhh... Lewd looking woman sporting playboy logos. She rolled her eyes to herself. This, paired with the black out curtains of the house... The house certainly gave her the energy of a man in the early 2000's --Fresh to owning a house. 

She turned her gaze to look around for Jax once more, who had slipped out of his room with that dumb. Stupid. Dumb. Smile on his face. Except, he was holding a pair of clothes and a towel in his hands. He then pointed to the bathroom. 

"Go ahead. Take a shower. Just let the water run for a minute... It's been a while since the pipes were used." He said, genuinely. Pomni blinked, before giving a grateful nod as she took the clothes from him... Her face dropped some in less tension at the idea of a hot shower and some sleep... Although she did wonder how Jax had Electricity and Water after so long. 

"... Thanks... Jax." She said, before looking up at him through her lashes for a moment. The rabbit just shrugged some. 

"Whatever. --" he replied quickly, before clearing his throat. "You can just like... crash on the couch after... Unless you want to sleep in my bed, then *I'll* crash on the couch." 

She snorted, before shaking her head. 

"No, it's fine. The couch is fine."

"Cool."

"Cool." 

...

Pomni turned around, now entering the bathroom, before closing the door behind her. 

After a few moments, and hearing the pipes stir back to life, Jax deflated immediately. He rubbed his face, before looking around in house. This place felt like a shell of what he had been in his past. He rubbed his eyes, taking a shakey breath, before walking over to the couch and taking a moment to himself. 

He was free... But why did he feel so... 

...

Shitty.

Jax's eyes landed on the box of cigarettes laying on the table. 

---

Pomni exited the shower, practically glowing at the feeling of a hot shower. She then inspected the clothes she had been given as she dried herself off. 

She then held the large shirt up, as her eyebrows raised.

Hooooly shit. 

This was a vintage Deftones shirt. Oh my God. It made sense... Jax was like, emo. Not like, scene emo... But like... 2008 halo, Deftones, Monster, Hot Topic, Cigarette, Grunge, Flannel Emo. That... That made so much sense. ... This guy probably had unironically enjoyed Animals by Three Days of Grace. Pomni was absolutely having a field day with this revelation. 

She slipped on the cotton shirt, before sliding on a pair of gym shorts, before exhaling at herself in the reflection of the mirror. She took the time to comb her hair with her fingers, before exiting the bathroom after hanging up her towel while mentally making a note to help Jax dust tomorrow and clean up from time's own mess. 

She then stepped out, only to find Jax nowhere to be found. She walked around some, very noticing the back porch open. Pomni slowly walked over to the open door, before leaning against the frame and slowly opening a bit longer. 

Jax stood there, now sporting a change in clothes, as he stared at his small backyard. It looked like at some point there had been a garden, but it had been long overgrown. She watched as wispy bands of smoke caressed Jax, before she finally cleared her throat and made her presence known. 

"I can't believe you're smoking." She said, shaking her head playfully. 

She watched his figure tense, relax, before sighing. She listened to him take a deep exhale, before beginning to speak. "Yeah, Well—" he had begun, before he turned around, only to suddenly stop. ... Like, completely freeze. Like someone had pulled the plug on him. 

Pomni raised an eyebrow at him... As the rabbit slowly took another deep inhale of the cancer stick between his fingers, and absolutely not say a word. 

"Hello?" Pomni asked, gesturing with her hand, before Jax exhaled with a cough and turned his head away, waving the smoke away. 

"Well-" he said, trying to clear his throat and making his brain work to any functional degree as he debated his moral beliefs towards pomni for a moment. "I do what I want—" he decided, now avoiding looking at the poor jester. ... That was his clothes. 

"Yeah, but it smells really bad? And like, why did we escape if you're just going to kill yourself with cigarettes anyways." She replied, now standing beside him and leaning against the porch railing. She watched as Jax followed her movements to tea with his eyes, before looking away again. 

"Becauseee... Ones a cigarette and ones being tormented by a sentient, crazy, AI." He answered, before taking another drag. Pomni watched with some mild disgust as he did so. He was kinda into it.- -Who said that.--

"I guess so... But like, ew. ... How old are those cigarettes even?" 

"Like--- probably ten years." He said, staring at the cigarette in his hands, he then looked over, to Pomni, who's eyebrows had suddenly sharply furrowed. 

Ah. 

Shit. 

...

*Damn* she was smart.

What Jax has failed to notice was that this had been a roundabout way to ask how long *he* had been stuck. 

He sighed in annoyance, before putting out the cigarette on the railing, and placing it to the side. There used to be a ash tray here... But it was gone somewhere in the yard, now. 

She looked up to Jax, trying to find the right words. 

".... Sorry, Jax." She said, again, softly. 

He shrugged, before blinking at her as she stood up straight, and placed a hand on his side. He tilted his head and smirked sleezyly.

"Pomni... are you coming onto m- ow."'

She lifted the side of his hoodie now, observing the wound that Caine had inflicted onto him. It was like a claw mark. Like a ravenous animal... She noted that it seemed like Jax had redressed the wound properly at some point, as it was covered properly. It was good it wasn't infected. Briefly, she wondered how tired Jax was from all that blood loss... And he hadn't slept once ...

She then placed his hoodie down, before looking up at the rabbit, who had more of a cat like stare than a rabbit one as he stared down at her. Pomni gave a sheepish smile in response-- wow- uh he was close. Closer than what she remembered when she started to check the wound. When did that happen?

"W-what's that look for?"

Jax's smile returned, the fake one she hated, before he looked forward and shrugged.

"You can keep that shirt, by the way."

Chapter Text

Eventually, the two headed inside, where Pomni mentioned working for her keep while staying here. She sat on the couch, before stretching her legs and leaning back into the soft cushions; somehow a blanket had already been waiting for her arrival— clean and fluffy.

"I can help you dust ... Uhm, tomorrow. If you want." She said, as she now peered over the top of couch to the bunny in the kitchen. She managed to catch a rare glimpse of his face in a neutral expression that *wasn't* smiling, as he was working on wiping off the counters... he had seemed deep in thought about a couple of things .. As much as she wanted Jax to speak his mind around her, she wasn't sure how it would go ... All things considered necessary pretty bad at communicating exactly how he felt. Pomni did know Jax was distressed ... But what exactly, she wasn't sure.

He glanced up the the jester, who's eyes were staring him down. The rabbit sighed slowly, the breath moving from his bottom lip as he stopped trying to clean.

After some moral debate, he spoke up.

"You don't have to worry about anything, Pomni. I... I don't mind you being here. S'not a big deal, so don't make it one." He said, before resuming cleaning.

He heard the jester rustle from the couch.... And once he looked up again, she was now peering at him with her arms pillowed under her chin. She continued staring him down, and he was reminded of that expression she wore in the circus — like on her door. Sort of big eyes and pouty.

"...what?" He prodded, raising an eyebrow at her direction.

"I want to help you - so, go to bed too, and I'll help you in the morning." She resolutely said.

He scoffed, but didn't seem to fight it. Even *he* couldn't hide the way his eyelids drooped. After some more debate, and wondering why he was going to go ahead and probably torture himself with this following question, he folded his arms.

"And?"

"...And?"

"I know you. You want to ask something."

"Oh."

... Jax waited for a moment, and Pomni spoke again;

"Yeah- actually, I did..." She said. Bingo. Right on the money. The jester than shifted in her makeshift bed, before hesitantly holding up a framed photo. She looked at Jax.

"Who's this?... You look... Really happy here." She said, fondly, as she looked at the photo that displayed him and the mystery woman.

Jax gave pause, before walking over and standing behind the couch. He gently took the framed photo from her hands, before walking around the couch and sitting next to her. He then held the photo for a long time.

"S'was my uhh... My sister." He said, glancing at Pomni, who diligently scooted over to stare at the photo again. She looked at the man beside her, watching his eyebrows knit in concentration as his face would shift to something pained, before trying to deflect it with a roll of his eyes, and then that stupid smile

"She's..."

"Yeah."

"... Sorry."

"It's fine, it was years ago." He said, placing the woman on the table, although this time, he placed the photo face down on the table, causing pomni to frown some, before she stared at the floor.

"... Uhm, ... How did she?..."

"Cancer."

"...Shit."

"Yeah." He said, before leaning into the couch and sighing. The long curtain of his lashes closed together as he had stared at the ceiling.

Pomni watched at his smile quickly fade away like this. She didn't say anything for a while... Because there's nothing you *could* say. She watched his chest brace and fall for a moment, before speaking again quietly.

"I'm guessing she was all you... Had, ... Family wise, I mean. -- I get it though -- my dad- he... Fought in the war so, ... You kinda can guess what happened." She said as she turned her gaze to the sopping wet jacket that was now hanging by the door. "I get it— not having anyone to come back too. I didn't realize... How much I wanted to escape... But there wasn't anything for me anyways. It's almost like—" she stopped talking when she realized Jax's breathing had become a little *too* deep.

With one arm tucked behind the couch, and the other holding his leg, he seemed to have knocked out cold mid conversation. She had her theories of him being exhausted, but this just had proved them. Jax didn't strike her to be the type of person to just fall asleep out of the blue mid conversation, so her gaze only softened. She made the mental note to make a joke about this later to him. As for now, she needed to figure out how she'd fall asleep.

The couch was quite comfortable... So she really couldn't blame Jax either for that. So, are glanced to his bedroom. ... Yeah. No. She was *not* going in there and sleeping on his bed. She turned her gaze back to Jax, who was fast asleep still.

"Jax?" She tried, softly.

No answer, of course. He really was fast asleep... He moved only to rest his chin against his chest... Pomni took the moment to reflect how ... Like this, he did look like a little rabbit. She snickered to herself, wishing she could take a picture of him, but eventually took the prepared blanket that had been set out for her, and draped it over him.

Almost immediately, he brought his legs to his chest and snuggled into the blanket, now leaning against the arm of the couch and softly snoring away.

With that, Pomni stood up and made her say through carpeted flooring to the closet between Jax's bedroom and living room. There, she opened it, expecting to find blankets. Instead, she found -- like, art supplies? A lot of art supplies. Then, she picked up a couple of painted figurines. It took Pomni a moment to realize that these were DND figurines... As she picked up an expertly crafted dragon in her hands.

"Huh. Neat." She said, as she flipped it in her hands a couple times. She then felt bad for snooping, and set it back to it's dusty shelf, while smiling to herself. She *always* knew he was a nerd. He was way too confident *not* to be.

Pomni gave up hope in searching not too longer, before returning to Jax on the couch and shrugging. She guessed in the end she didn't need a blanket. She sat down on the couch, and curled up into a ball, as she stared at the wall. She then vaguely thought about all the things that had been bothering her since she returned... But ultimately, she pulled a Jax, and pretended her problems didn't exist... And promptly fell asleep in the hold of her own self.

———

When she awoke again, she found herself quite warm and comfortable. She stretched out and up up, only to find a layer of blankets on her, she was too sleepy to understand, and instead nuzzled her face into the blankets; inhaling deeply at the smell of ... Tabbaco and maybe.. ... Vanilla?

She drifted back to sleep not moments later.

———

Her and the rabbit at her feet had slept a full 24 hours on the comfortable couch, catching up from pure exhaustion as they both shifted in their rests frequently. The end result was the two laying with their legs tangled together, but their heads on opposite sides of the couch.

Jax was the first to stir, as he rubbed his eyes and looked at Pomni, who was snoring away. She looked quite happy with herself, after her shower and some good sleep. Her hair was an utter mess, and Jax supposed she should of dried it better before sleeping. He reached over and moved a strand out of her face as she slept...

She really was pretty.

He then pulled his hand away quickly at his realization of mental thoughts.

Nope. No way. Nope. As if, Jax— Mitch. ... Whoever he was.

Chapter Text

Pomni awoke to the scent of food, and as she stretched, she rolled over just to see a plate of food served on the table, and a glimpse of Jax's hand, befire the said hand gently tapped the back of her cheek with two taps.

"Ay' Pomni. Wake up before your food gets cold." He said, as he watched his jester give a stretch before sitting up and rubbing her eyes. She yawned, stretched, and came to life, before glimpsing at the food in front of her.  

It was like a Michelin chef had appeared, cooked their meals, and disappeared. But in reality, Jax had prepared and placed this meal for her. It was some sort of grilled chicken, with cucumbers, some sort of dill white sauce, and a slice of flat bread. Pomni couldn't remember if it was called naan or pita, but she really didn't care because it looked delicious. 

"Did you make this??" She asked in awe. 

Jax shrugged, then, deciding to fuck with her, said "No. I didn't."

Pomni took it at face value at first, before rolling her eyes as he sat next to her with a plate of food himself. "You did. -- and, It looks good. Like, really good."

"I had to go grocery shopping for us, so... Figured I'd cook something." He stated, before pointing to the various food on her plate and leaning over her as he did so. "Grilled chicken, Tzatziki, Pita, cucumbers -- somehow those are from the garden -- and tomatoes... Also. From the garden."

Pomni blinked, staring at her plate. Before looking over again at Jax. He looked a little less rough around the edges right now. He had taken a shower and changed back into a flannel. Although, from his rolled up sleeves now, she spotted a couple of tattoos on his left forearm.  

Blink, blink. 

"Are you even the same person?"

"Wha."

"Sorry- I just mean like," she said, as she watched Jax's eyebrows raised, and his lips curve into a slight smile instinctively. "You're nice. Like--- ..."

"Like I'm not a character anymore." He answered, flatly. He stared down at her; noting how close they were. 

"... I guess. It's just like." She said. "I know you better now. Like this. You're not as-"

"Scary?"

"No-"

"Annoying-"

"No-"

"Rude?-"

"Debatable; let me finish."

And he did, although he kept the same distance of close to Pomni now, waiting for her to finish as his smile only grew. 

"-Distant." She finally said, watching his smile fall. Funnily enough, to her, seeing Jax not smile was more than a reward than him smiling. "There's more to you that you can't hide away now."

He pulled away as if on que, before taking a fork, stabbing a piece of chicken, and sticking it into her mouth. "Whatever,- just, — eat-"

Pomni did, eyes sparkling at the flavor, and her mental victory of getting Jax to slowly open up to her, and the fact she was wearing his clothes and eating his food — what?? She couldn't enjoy that?? She could enjoy this. She was allowed. She beat a sentient ai, escaped digital hell, and was homeless. By God, she'd enjoy it. 

"This is reallyf goodf." Pomni praised her friend, with a mouthful of food... Causing Jax to look over proudly. This time he genuinely smiled a little... 

"Don't speak with your mouth full." He joked, elbowing her slightly before eating his own plate. The two enjoyed a comfortable quietness between the two of them. Eventually, Pomni finished her plate clean, before standing up and opening the dark curtains at the other side of the room. For some reason, she felt a pair of eyes on her as she did so. She then opened the blinds, to reveal a rising sun; making sunlight pour through the house. Jax pretended to hiss, and she snorted to herself as she walked over and took his empty plate too. 

"I guess I slept a while." She noted, now balancing both of their plates as she walked to the kitchen. It had an island separating the space between the couch and the kitchen. Jax stood up and walked over, moving to sit across from her at it on a bar stool as she moved to wash dishes.  

"You did." He said, as he propped his chin on his palm. He watched her with a neutral, content, expression. Then he said something that took Pomni off guard. 

She reached for a second plate before fumbling some- 

"I'm glad you're here." He said... Genuinely. "It's kinda nice.. Having you around. When I got back, I couldn't... I didn't. .. I don't know. — I'm just glad you're here in here." 

Pomni looked up with wide eyes, stumbling on her words for a moment... A couple "uhmmm" and "erms-" later she managed a soft: "Thanks. Or- like. You're welcome?."

"We both win. You're not homeless and I'm not...." He trailed off. 

Alone.

He then stood up and clasped his hands together. "Wwwelp!" He concluded this tender moment between them before he got too soft. He pushed himself up and pushed up his sleeves again, where Pomni could get a look at them a bit better. They certainly went up onto his biceps, but Jax always wore long sleeve shirts around her... So she couldn't get a good look. 

Then, suddenly, Jax seemed to notice. 

"Checking me out?" He joked, causing pomni to throw a soapy sponge in his direction, causing him to yelp and laugh as he tried to dodge it. "-gAH"

The rabbit then scampered away, and Pomni was left debating chasing him, but let him go free... Only because he cooked for her...

She finished cleaning, before deciding to clean up around the house a bit while Jax had disappeared. If she was living here for the foreseeable future, she'd at least make it clean. She took the time to glare at the playboy bunny woman hanging on the walls. ,,,, they were kinda hot tho. But she felt mocked a little. ,,, somewhere between the lines of being entranced by the woman with voluptuous figures on model cars and being annoyed by unrealistic body standards. 

She didn't look like that. ... Like, at all. She had broad shoulders and strong arms... And ,,, yeah. 

ANYWAY — 

She made the couch up first, before tidying the table and dusting off. She made sure to carefully clean that framed photo on the coffee table... But, she had noticed rather than it being faced down like Jax had set it before, it had been sitting back up. 

...

For some unexplainable reason, that made her sad. 

She set the photo down again and continued on her mental duties of cleaning, only to stop at the half open door of Jax's room. 

She gave a small knock. 

"Jax?" She asked, slowly. "I think- oh hey-"

The rabbit opened the door, holding her clothes, now neatly folded in his arms. He entrusted the said clothes with her, before exiting the room. His bedroom was surprisingly neat, Pomni had noticed, but she turned her attention to her clothes. 

"What's up?"

"I was thinking about going to like, a clothes store, or something to pick out some clothes. I know you probably don't -"

"I don't mind coming. I got nothing better to do." He said, shrugging. He reached over and squeezed her shoulder before squeezing past her to the clean living room. Due to the windows being open, the house was much more lively and less ... Depressing. 

"Oh yeah, Ragatha - or- Elizabeth— Whatever - she called you last night. I plugged your phone in." He said, idly. Pomni spun around to see her phone had indeed been plugged in. ,,,,

,,, it was really creepy actually how nice and normal Jax had become after they left. Obviously it was a good thing. But, Pomni couldn't shake this sense of deep sadness off Jax. Getting him to open up was hard in comparison. 

She picked up her phone and tapped on it s few times, before listening to a voicemail play on the other side. 

"Hey, Pomni... It's Ragatha. Or, Elizabeth, - uhm I was just sort of worried about you. No one's reached out so I was making sure everyone got home okay..." The voicemail went on for a few more seconds, before Ragatha concluded the voice memo by saying: "okay. Bye! Text me! *Please.* Okay bye."

She turned around and called back, finding it also going back to voicemail.

"Uhm, hey, Ragatha. I'm doing okay. I found Jax, and I stayed the night at his place..." She then looked at the rabbit, who looked more like a cat than anything. She the decided to walk out to the back porch... there, she leaned on the wall. 

"and, Jax seems a little off, I just don't know why... Like, sas off... Uhm, maybe weee.... All could meet up soon again. I'd really like to see you. So, um, just... Feel free to call me, bye." She said into the phone, before clicking it off. She then walked in again, before immediately slipping into the bathroom to change back into her fresh, clean, clothes, before exiting and tugging on her shoes. Jax was ready to go by the front door, and held open the door for her as they both stepped outside. Suddenly, Jax jangled some keys in front of her face obnoxiously before she could start walking too far down the porch. 

"My car still works." He chirped. "The tires were low but I filled them up. - Gave her some oil and she works good. At least from what I could tell from the ten minute drive to the store."

"Oh hell yeah." Pomni chirped back in victory. It really was the small things in life. 

The car in question wasn't anything too fancy. Some old model from 2007? It appeared like the car had been stored in the garage, so it was rather clean outside. And, as Pomni sat, so was the inside; except like. The five cans of empty monster scattered around the interior. 

"You have a problem." Pomni said while laughing, moving s can aside as she entered the passenger. 

"You can pry my problems from my cold dead hands." He replied, while his eyes twinkling in mischievous energy. That was the Jax she knew. Maybe it was the house that made him so sad? "And I will be buying five more."

"How has your heart not exploded yet. Between smoking and energy drinks."

"Nahhh, the world wants me dead, I'm too spiteful." He replied, as he started the car. He placed a hand behind Pomni's seat as he backed out of the driveway, before turning on the road. He then pointed to the glovebox as he drove, keeping his eyes on the road. 

"I have some CD's — why are you laughing — I have some CD'S in here."

She was laughing at the fact that Jax listened to CD's for some reason. She supposed it wasn't like CD's were obselete or anything-- well a little - but it was charming to think that Jax used to collect these. Especially, as she pulled out a giant booket of organized CD's. 

She flipped through them, before snorting at some of these. 

"You have the same taste of music like a divorced father of two." She said. 

"HEY- No. My music taste is the peak of masculinity here; you are NOT going to to say that nickelback isnt-"

"Nickelback is bad-"

"WHAT??!" He reply, laughing, while trying to keep his eyes on the road and playfully glare at Pomni. "Okay, look, you wanna keep this up?? Huh?? You'll lose your music picking privileges." He said. That made Pomni laugh harder, as she frantically flipped through the CD's. Finally, she settled on Deftones -- because it seemed to be common ground between the two of them at least. 

She relaxed in her seat with a smile after she inserted the CD, before turning her gaze to stare outside. 

This town don't feel mine

I'm fast to get away

Far. ~♪

Pomni watched as the the city skyline came back into fire as she drove; the farming fields rolling past with thick white clouds hanging in the sky. It was the perfect summer weather. She felt good. She was free, and despite her troubles, she felt alive. 

I dressed you in her clothes

So drive me far away, away, away.~♪

Jax stole a glance at her as they entered the highway, before relaxing and driving with one hand as he stared ahead once again... He realized then. Pomni was his best friend. 

And no one in the world would get him quite like she did. And, she came to him... He was pretty blessed about that. She was someone he'd die for. Jax touched the wound on his side again— he risked it all for her, and he'd do it again. 

It feels good to know you're mine

Now drive me far away, away, away.~♪

Pomni glanced over, meeting Jax's. They both blinked, before they both shared a little smile, before looking their separate looks again... Both a dumb smile on their faces. 

They had each other's backs. 

Chapter Text

"Honestly, I haven't been clothes shopping in years." Pomni conferred to her friend, Jax, who was standing beside her as they entered the department store-- a sun section of the local mall.

Jax, now stood behind her, as he often did. Pomni would describe his aura as sort of ,,, "looming"? Looming was a good word. He acted like a personal guard dog for her. Guard rabbit. Regardless, Jax always seemed to stand beside her, with a hand on his hip and looking around.

He always looked at her when she spoke, though.

"Me neither, obviously." He joked, tapping his flannel. "You could just wear my clothes if you wa-"

"I'm not wearing your clothes all the time." She replied, a small smile on her lips. "Plus your pants don't fit me."

"True. But the shirts do."

"Jax, I'm not planning -" she started, but she stopped herself by the sort of puppy dog look in Jax's eyes as she was going to stay she hadn't planned on staying too long. ,,, I mean, they weren't a couple of anything??? Would that be weird? "-- *eventually,* I'll have to leave." She reminded him.

"Boo."

"Boo?"

"Boo." He replied, before walking ahead of her and pretending to look at clothes. ... Which were girls clothes, so she really didn't know what he was pretending. But. Now, she felt a bit bad-- especially since Jax had confessed to her how much he enjoyed having her around so far. ...I mean, she guessed she didn't mind staying with him, but there was only one bed. She couldn't crash on the couch *all* the time. ,,, and it's not like they could stay on the same bed,,, ...

Pomni sighed, staring at Jax. For some reason her stomach felt jittery when he looked over and gave her a real smile.

"Look." He said, holding up a Nirvana shirt. "See, my music isn't too outdated."

"Okay, but those are for posers now." She joked, while walking over. She stood next to him, the two of them standing elbow to elbow now as she flipped through clothes.

"Well, you're not one." He said as his fingers danced through racks of clothes. In the department store, she was reminded how much taller Jax was then her.

"I'm not, but I wear more than just band shirts, you know." She said.

"Oh yeah?" He asked, raising an eyebrow at her. "Like what?"

"Like, *actual* clothes?" She said, laughing dryly at him.

He plucked a white blouse off the rack, before holding it in front of her.

"This is cute. Try this." He said, before she stared at him dumbfoundedly. Was he actually,,, ... Was he actually good at shopping for clothes??? How??? Who??? Who taught him this skill??? She took it out of his hands. It was actually a cute top. She didn't say a word as she continued going through a rack of clothes.

"Is hot topic still around." He said, following her once more as he pocketed his hands.

"Holy shit." Replied Pomni, looking over her shoulder. She felt genuine fear at that. He shrugged. She supposed back then, that store actually was more catered to his taste than anything it was today. "It's, ... It's not like how you imagine it. But yes, it's still around...." She said.

"...you look scared, so I won't ask." He said, as he smirked at her.

He then returned through helping Pomni pick out some more clothes.

In the end, they had picked out a new wardrobe for the jester, and even a couple more modern shirts for Jax to try on later.

———

As Pomni went to pay, he (playfully) shoved her out of the way with his hand, before paying for her at the very last minute.

"Jax!!!" Pomni complained, before clearing her throat upon receiving a strange look from the cashier at such a strange name. "—... Mitch." She corrected, which Jax brushed off with a simple wave of his hand.

"Don't worry about it, Pom." He answered, as he glanced at her from the side at her dumbfounded look. He really enjoyed when she had that look on her face. "You really expected me to let you pay?" He joked, as he picked up the bags and pocketed the receipt. He then spun her around with his left hand, before ushering her to the exit of the store and towards the mall.

"C'mon, we'll go shopping. I'll buy you anything you want."

?????!!

Pomni's eyebrows only furrowed deeply as she tried to comprehend the man she was with right about now. This could *not* be the same Jax. There was absolutely *no way* this was him. This was!!; !!! Completely out of of character!!!!

She stammered for a few, before jogging to keep up with him.

"W-why are you being so,,, nice?,,," she inquired, before Jax gave her a puzzled and playful look.

"So, like, are you into me being mean to you?" He flirted. Joked. Joked! "I can be mean to you if you want—"

"WHA- *NO-* it's just- shut up!"

She elbowed him, but he had already taken note how red her face had gotten as she hurried into the main atrium of the mall, leaving him in the dust. Jax followed leisurely behind, now beaming to himself.

Yeah, he still had it.

He then caught up to her eventually when she settled down. He looked around the mall. Somehow, it felt timeless. If didn't feel like ten years. Then again, the circus had distorted everyone's sense of time. So what had only felt like or two years to had actually been... A decade.

Pomni looked over her shoulder after a moment, and fell to his side.

"So... Uh... Where did you wanna go?" She asked, as she had sensed the way he suddenly faultered in his steps. He came back to reality, and shrugged.

"Let's just walk around."

"A-alright." She said, with a curt nod.

———

The two found themselves at the food court first. They both settled on Chinese food; due to the free samples they had been offered. Of course, Jax paid again, and she was starting to get suspicious about how he had all this money.

Especially because his hands had so many calluses. So, he had certainly worked somewhere blue collared before this.

,,, She couldn't help herself and asked.

"How do you have so much money?" She suddenly asked, causing Jax to pause mid-bite across of her. He blinked his black eyes towards her, beforehe set his plastic fork down.

"Me? You could of just asked what I did for work."

"Well, yeah, that's what I meant."

"The money's from my sister's inheritance-"

"Oh shi—" Pomni started, which caused Jax to laugh a little bit. He just wanted to fuck with her. He then noticed her staring at his hands, which she flipped for her, and extended one at her.

She instinctively grabbed it— not really thinking about it.

"Calluses." She said, before looking up at Jax, who was staring at her with widened eyes. He looked away and cleared his throat, before looking at her again.

"Yeah, I took a trade. I used to weld."

"Oh wow." Pomni said, genuinely impressed. She looked back at his hands and stared, before nodding slowly in approval towards herself. "No offense but I had always... Thought you... Uh."

"Freeloaded?" He asked, laughing some while gently and playfully """kicking""" her in the shin. It was more of a tap with his foot than anything.

"Pomni you wound me." He added.

She scrunched up her nose, before playfully pushing his hand away. "Well you never told any of us in the circus! Even when we got drunk you started making breaking bad references... Which makes me wonder how I didn't realize you were from 2008." She said, playfully tapping his shin back. She let go of his hand; not before patting the back of his hand.

He laughed, truly, before smiling genuinely at her. Pomni could compare him to like the sun, coming out from behind some clouds.

"You're funny." He told her, before reaching over and patting her head. He dug into the rest of his food, quite content with himself as he did so. Pomni followed suite, but she smiled to herself as she ate her food. This ... This was nice. Yeah.

This was good.

Chapter Text

The two of them ended up perusing the mall, wasting the day away while shopping. Pomni tried really hard not to find anything too cute, because if she picked up anything for too long, she'd find that Jax would secretly buy it behind her back.

It's almost he *liked* spending money on someone. And, Pomni really wasn't sure how she felt about that ... But she *did* know she *really* liked the stuffed frog she was holding to her chest right about now from build-a-bear.

Earlier, the two of them had been walking around, and she had accidentally stopped and stared at the stuffed frog in the display for too long. Jax had noticed, and the two of them entered the shop, at Jax's request.

Of course, she selected the frog happily, and the two of them had went through the various steps of stuffing and building the frog. This entailed not only stuffing the frog, but slipping a little heart into it as well.

Pomni was practically beaming as the frog was returned to both of them, and she was handed a little "birth certificate" for the frog. She looked at Jax with bright, brown, eyes and tilted her head.

"What should we name him?" She asked, excitedly, as she held a pen.

Jax pretended to debate about this for a while, before he settled on a name.

"...Ribbit would be nice." He decided.

Blissfully unaware; she nodded eagerly, and wrote the name down in cursive.

And this is how she found herself, with her and Jax's now pretend adopted son, Ribbit the frog, who was now dressed in a little teddy bear green jacket, just like Pomni's.

———

She stopped at Hot Topic, Per Jax's Request, and he took one step in, before immediately stepping right back out while shaking his head.

"... You were right and... I'm sorry for doubting you."

"I told you, it was um... I know it was probably actually more your style before."

"Spencer's?" He asked, ever so innocently.

"No." Pomni quickly said, ushering him away from that store as well by dragging him by the arm.

———

The two of them eventually decided their time at the mall had been well spent. The two of them exited the same way they returned, With Pomni by his side as they exited the mall.

The sun had apparentlyong set as the two of them walked the parking lot... and Pomni had found that she had truly had a lot of fun today. Jax had been pleasant to be around, despite everyone's assumptions.

Jax walked to the side and opened her car door, which she rolled her eyes at him.

"Don't get all gentleman-y on me." She commented, before sitting down once more in the passenger seat. She set her new clothes and her new adopted frog son in the back by reaching over the center console. As she did so, Jax lingered by the passenger side.

"So you do like it when I'm mean." He said.

"Jax." She warned, playfully.

"Okay, okay." He bantered, before closing the door and walking over to the driver's seat. He leaned in and started the car, crouching some so he could look at Pomni. "I'm just going to smoke. Give me five."

"Ew." She responded, before nodding.

He softly closed the door, before leaning against the car and staring at the moon. The parking lot was completely empty. After all, they had been probably the last ones to leave... Neither of them had anything better to do. He took out his lighter, before clicking it a couple times as he held it to the end of his mouth. Eventually, he lit it.

As he did, The car shut off behind him. He momentarily panicked, thinking the car actually did have mechanical issues. Before he heard Pomni's car door opened, along while holding the keys. She walked over, now standing besides him.

She watched as a slight breeze ruffle his fluffy hair, as he watched her curiously.

"Just figured we didn't have to go back immediately." She said, as she moved to sit on the front of the car, staring at the moon. Jax stood there for a moment, before shrugging and sitting next to her on the hood.

The two of them stared at the moon silently as Jax smoked.

The sound of cars in the distant highway, and crickets. It was a cool summer breeze... Why even bother going back when it felt so nice out.

Who needed sleep?

Pomni looked over at Jax eventually as he took a drag.

"I went to school too." She said, eventually, while kicking her feet.

"You did?" Jax asked, behind his cigarette.

"Mhm. I just got an associates, though. I know people don't care about that, but..m ya'know. I wanted a bachelors."

"In what?" Jax asked, watching her out the corner of his eyes.

"Film making." She confessed. "It kind of sounds stupid, now." She said, laughing softly while looking at the asphalt; which was still warm from the sun. "Everything does now... I'm somewhere between— trying to make my life better now that I'm free or—"

"Or just living it?" Jax finished for her, smiling a half smile. At least this time genuinely.

"Yeah. It feels like, in a sick way, I got a second chance." She said. ... "I don't know. I've been trying to not think about everything that happened." She said, before suddenly gripping her stomach as it twisted in knots. "But every time I think about... About Kinger... I ..." ...

...

Jax abruptly reached over, ruffling up her hair.

"Lemme tell you something." He said, in a serious voice. He leaned down, so they were eye level. He peered into her watery eyes. He stared at her for a long time, before suddenly flicking his cigarette out into the asphalt, he then grabbed her softly by the shoulders.

"Before you, I was going to abstract."

"WHAT?—" Pomni asked in disbelief, before Jax placed a hand over her mouth firmly— her eyes completely wide from shock.

"Before you, I was going to abstract. Remember,, ... God, ... Remember that one time where me and you fought." He asked, slowly. "And I told you... I told you to stop trying to look for me. Do you remember?"

Pomni's eyes were still wide, and she nodded, slowly, not really sure how this was helping anything.

"... I was scared. You had been the only person to reach out to me. You still were.. And I knew Kinger. Pomni,... He knew he wasn't getting out. He always knew that. And I thought the same... But you didn't. Out of all of us, only you were determined to leave."

...

"What I'm saying is— God I don't even know what I'm saying anymore — just- .. You wanted to escape because you still had dreams. Me and Kinger didn't... Which is half why I—"

Pomni grabbed his hand, and slowly lowered it off her face.

"Is that what you threw yourself at Caine?"

"...Yeah."

...

"...For me?..."

"Yeah."

...

Pomni surged forward, hugging Jax tightly. She rested her head on his shoulder-- before feeling him tense underneath him. She was half expecting to be shoved away again, but eventually, she felt a pair of sturdy arms around her, hugging her back.

... She felt a weight on her shoulder too.

"Just live your life." He mumbled into her shoulder.

"As long as you start living yours." She replied, softly.

Chapter Text

Pomni wished she didn't feel a little awkward after that; although if you asked her, she wouldn't know why. She was glad Jax had lowered his guard enough around her... She honestly, and truly, was so glad.

But when she looked at him too long— ... Pomni couldn't explain her feelings around Jax. She just...

Wanted to help him. A lot. And, in a way, she was a bit worried for him. With the information of Jax nearly abstracting before all of this, and throwing himself at Caine's corrupted form to save her... How couldn't she. And now, in the real world, she had realized that he had no one but her.

And she wasn't going to sit here and defend Jax's actions either... Especially towards gangle. But she knew, now, that he had been lashing out this entire time. Pushing people away— she sighed, rubbing her face.

She leaned against the railing to Jax's back porch, flicking on her phone for a while while a definitely non-alcoholic drink was sitting on the railing besides her; the one purchase she had managed to buy for herself without Jax beating her to it. It wasn't anything special, just some generic wine. Besides her, was leftover Chinese from earlier, which she would occasionally pick on.

She was wearing Jax's clothes again for PJ's, and she enjoyed the smell of them... All things considering, she could get used to all of this... Living, like this, she meant. She glanced over her shoulder as she held a glass to her lips, feeling a pair of eyes on her.

Jax stood in the doorway, before walking slowly over. He moved to lean on the railing besides her... Backwards, of course. She didn't say anything, she stared, at she often did, before looking back into the yard and quietly sipping. See... The nice thing between the two of them, Pomni found, that sometimes they didn't need to speak. ... Sometimes... They could just sit like this.

She offered him the cup of wine, which he stared at... Before bringing it to his lips quietly and sipping on it, staring towards the house. She then passively handed him an egg roll too, which he took without thinking and began to hungrily munch on it too; now dual wielding wine and an egg roll, like the mighty warrior he was.

Jax, she noticed, for the first time, was wearing pj's too. Plaid red pajama bottoms, and a big black shirt. His hair was a mess, too. ... And Pomni wondered how she could of ever found him even remotely intimidating before like this. Although, she finally could get a good look at his tattoos like this.

She retrieved her wine, before filling up the glass that had beside her to the top, before continuing to sip while staring at his tattoos. He had noticed now, but didn't say anything, he just stared at her.

The tattoos were all located on his bicep, and before due to Jax's habit to wear long sleeves, she hadn't seen them until now. The tattoo in question appeared to be a picture of a tree, with a single apple. She wondered silently what it could represent. Perhaps, like Eve's forbidden fruit? But as she stared at it harder, she came to debate why the composition looked so familiar. And then, it occurred to her.

"The giving tree."

"Mhm." Jax answered her.

She nodded at herself for finding out what it meant. Meanwhile, Jax was just sort of wondering how she deciphered that without saying a word. He watched her take another sip.

"Why?" She interrogated.

"My mom used to read it." He answered, not bothering to try and come up with some elaborate joke. He was a little too tired for that. Mentally, at least. Besides, Pomni looked a little bit tipsy... Her face was red.

...

"Tree or the boy?" She asked, handing him back the glass. He stared into the dark liquid for a moment.

"Which one do you think?" He asked her, taking a couple of big gulps and finishing the glass. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, before handing back the glass. She dutifully poured another glass, before continuing to sip once more, now making a small hum in thought.

"Iiiii... Thinkk.... Maybe ... at first, the boy." She analyzed. "Then, after everything, maybe... the tree." She then smiled over her glass, before extending her pinkie and following suit with a couple of gulps.

"Ohh... Maybe." He said, amusing her, before she watched her pour a final glass. She handed him the bottle, allowing him to finish it off in a couple of drinks.

"Would you... be the boy or the tree?" He asked, while sneering playfully after he set the empty bottle down.

"Mmm... maybe.... The girl to the boy." She said, raising her eyebrows as she let out a little tipsy giggle. "Or maybe a fruit to the tree."

"Tch- You're — you're drunk." He replied quickly in response, his face hot. She pretended to gasp dramatically, before leaning against him. She hastily wrapped an arm around him before he could escape.

"Oh no!!! That's like, what happens when you buy and drink a whole bottle of wine. Anndd guess what, now you'll be drunk too. MuHAHA this is my master PLANN. IM EVIL POMNII!!!" She quoted, before bursting out into a fit of giggles as she swayed. Jax supported her with a hand to her side.

"Cringe—" he reminded her while rolling his eyes. Still, he was pretty amused by her energy right about now. It was quite chaotic.

He ushered softly inside from the porch, before she could wake up any neighbors with her maniacal laughter. Or,, whatever she tried to be maniacal. She was promptly placed on the couch, where she flopped into her back, still giggling. Jax now leaned over the couch, watching her with great interest.

"Why'd you think this would be a good idea?" He asked, raising his eyebrows. He wasn't too sure how long she had been out there drinking prior.

She shrugged innocently as she stared up at her friend.

"You told me to live my life, and I wanted a bottle of wine. That's how I live my life." She replied, smiling sleezly at him.

"You're funny." He said, in amusement, his eyes crinkling some. "Hey, now I can ask *you* really personal questions and figure *you* out. Because *you* don't talk about yourself *at all* just like *me.* Because *you* are a *hypocrite.*" Making sure to point at her which emphasis of the word.

She just laughed at him, before sitting up and and resting on her knees, facing him.

"Go ahead. Ask away. Bunny boy."

"Don't — ... don't call me that."

"Hmmmm... I'm not hearing any questions..."

"Uhh.. well, for instance, what's your last job? Huh?"

"If you were listening to me in the past, I was an accountant for a grocery store."

"Oh."

"Duh." She teased.

"Well, uh, — ,,, ... Damnit."

She leaned against the couch and smirked.

He cleared his throat and took a step back.

",,, okay, fine. ,,, Do you have any tattoos?" He said, in an attempt to regain his throne of being the more cocky one.

"I do."

"Oh, really?" He asked, genuinely, his tilting his head as he looked at her carefully,,, not seeing anything, he furrowed his eyebrows. "Uh. Where? I don't. .. I don't see any." He mumbled.

"Wouldn't *you* like to know." She hummed. Victoriously. Jax stammered for a moment, before tossing a blanket onto her.

"G-go to bed or something! Would ya'??"

"Hey. Hey Jax. ... Remember your "evil version"—" she said while giggling mischievously, before tapping the couch beside her; urging him to sit. He obeyed, finding himself a bit warm for some reason. Definitely not because he was tipsy too. At the question he gave her a sort of confused shake of his head, as to say "yeah, and??""

"Are you like *that* when you're drunk?"

"-Oh, seriously - shut up." He told her, now looking away, although she noticed the way his leg was bouncing up and down now beside her; rocking his foot.

"Youreeeeee just a big softy." She declared, now leaning against him, she smirked even wider at Jax's wide eyes and expression.

"Pomni." He warned her. She could smell the alcohol on his lips from here. Dumb lips. Dumb stupid lips. He was so annoyingly pretty. ... Ugh -She was supposed to be into women, damnit. 

She just blinked at him, blissfully unaware at his fast his little rabbit heart was beating. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, and pushed her slightly away as he dryly swallowed, regaining his posture as his face turned a shade pink.

"Oh, Jax, we should play a... Uhhh ... Game."

———

All things considered, Jax had not expected that her saying to play a game was a literal take on ,, playing a video game. So here they were, both drunk as hell on wine, with several bags of potato chips stewn on the table ... A can of monster each...

while playing split screen halo— trying to kill each other. Whoever won the match would have to cook breakfast.

At least, they were playing... Until both of them eventually passed out cold; Pomni between Jax's arm, her head on his chest, and controller in her hands, while Jax meanwhile had his arms around her shoulders, controller in hand as well, as both of them fell into a deep sleep.

Chapter Text

She inhaled deeply, smelling tabbaco and vanilla.

Pomni would be lying if she said she didn't enjoy this. Because, she did. How long had it been since she had ket herself enjoy the company of someone else? Even prior to the circus... She didn't know; but Jax's heartbeat pounded ever steady on underneath her.
...

Even with his bad energydrink habits and smoking; it seemed to be doing alright.

She plopped her head back down on his chest, taking note that at some point in the night their positions had shifted, and they were both laying down. He felt Jax's sturdy arms around her waist; while one hand rested in her hair.

The jester's heart exploded; and her face got quite hot as she felt a thumb sleepily rub the nape of her neck. The worse part about this, however, she noted, was the fact she was trapped. If she moved away, no doubt he would stir.

Ugh .... Why'd she drink so much wine... And why'd he smell so good? The jester buried her face into his chest. It was obnoxious. They were supposed to be friends. ... They were friends. But what if ... Nope. Nope. Nu uh. Nnnope. She wasn't letting herself go there- WOAH

The two of them shifted, now laying on their sides, Jax curled into her, burying his face into Pomni's apple scented hair, much to her mental termoil. She was now trapped between the couch and Jax.

..

........,,,

How was she supposed to sleep now???! It was still really early,,, and she couldn't possibly wake up Jax, who looked so at peace with himself. His face like this; looked so unburdened. So free from the world around him. Pomni sighed some; realizing how much burdens Jax held to his chest... Even when he was happy.

She sort of hated this wasn't something they could go to therapy for either. No one would believe them. And now, in this world that had not waited for them, they only had themselves for support...

"Jax..." She whispered; his back outlined by dim moonlight from curtains still left open. No answer. "Jax..." She whispered, slipping her hand on his shoulder and tapping twice.

He stirred just slightly, opening his eyes; and registering her. Pomni could tell he was still a bit tipsy; she could still smell wine on his lips from here. They focused on her, before dilating slightly as he gazed at her; before fluttering close again.

"Let me up..." She whispered.

"...just... stay here... Sophie..." He mumbled, half asleep, and still half tipsy, again, pulling her closer by the waist.

With a dumb arrow through her heart, she sighed. she couldn't possibly deny him such a pleasure; although she had a feeling like he'd regret this in the morning. Pomni tried to reason to herself that they were best friends, and friends definitely snuggled up to each other like this. It was common bestie knowledge.

,,,

Defeated, she closed her eyes, and drifted back to sleep.

———

When Pomni awoke again, she found herself long alone on the couch, a pillow underneath her. It made he debate if last night had been a wine induced dream or not of curling up to Jax. ,,, it had felt pretty good. But then again she had been pretty wine drunk last night... Sooo... It was hard to tell really what happened.

Tap tap.

Two taps on her cheek, and she looked up to Jax, fully dressed and holding a plate of waffles and bacon. A dumb fake smile on his lips.

... Pomni took a guess that it was real, just by the fact Jax had put up some guard around her again.

"Good morning~" he sang, before placing the food in front of her. "Man, you slept like a baby, pomni, snoring and all." He said, before practically scurrying off.

She raised a sleepy eyebrow. Oh yeah, definitely real. She took the plate in her hands, a long with a fork, yawning and stretching.

"Thanks for the food." She told him, looking at him from over her shoulder on the couch. He was washing dishes, keenly avoiding eye contact ever so dutifully. What a big softy.

"Yeah, whatever, the bacon was going bad anyway." He lied, before finally looking at her. Dumb smile. "I just cooked it myself and figured I'd give you the rest I guess." He, also, lied.

Pomni of course was right through this stupid act, as she often did, and ignored it— slipping right past guarded gates as she chatted.

"The bacon is good."

He shrugged, looking back down and washing dishes.

Before Pomni could confront him further, she heard a ringing sound from the table. Right, her phone. She noted it was Ragatha and scrambled over to pick it up. She held to her ear; now looking at the window outside, which was beaming beautiful sunlight.

"Hey! Pomni! Is me!— well — uh. Ragatha. Elizabeth. Whoever you wanna call me!"

"Hi, Ragatha." Pomni answered, smiling to herself as she set the food down and hugged her knees, staring to the side.

"Sorry for taking so long to get back to you! Uhm, So, We had a bit of an issue with Gangle; she had been pronounced missing. Well, honestly, we all did, so, it was like this whole thing— we had to go reinstate her and everything — and anyway, Gangle is at Zoobles house, so that's good! Oh right! You... You said that you were staying at Jax's?"

"Yeah, I've been staying here for the last couple days... I've been just crashing on the couch and hanging out with Jax."

"Hanging out with Jax?"

"... Yeah?" She said, raising an eyebrow to herself.

There was a lingering moment over the phone before Ragatha continued.

"Anyway, I figured it'd be nice if we all could sort of... Meet up! We could... I don't know, update each other on our lives. I could sure use the company. ... A-after all, only the five of us will get what we went through, so. ..." She said, into the phone.

Pomni nodded in agreement.

"You're right, we don't have to grow distant now that we're free. But, uh. Yeah! Yeah. I'll be there. We'll be there." She said, looking over at Jax, who had been staring at her. He blinked.

Ragatha relayed the address of her home; and Pomni wrote it down, before turning off her phone.

"What's up?" asked Jax.

"We're all going to meet up at Ragatha's." Pomni answered, as she moved to pull her hair up into a high ponytail from the band that had been around her wrist. There, Jax could see the tattoo she had been talking about, behind her ear, was a couple of stars; easily missed.

Jax nodded some, although he seemed a bit hesitant. Still, he walked over to his bedroom to change into some actual clothes, and Pomni did the same in the bathroom.

Once the two emerged, Pomni was wearing the blouse Jax had picked out for her; and ironically, Jax came out wearing the shirt she had picked out for him. They both shared a blink and a quick smile, before Pomni hurried to finish her food Jax made her— clearing her plate so he knew it was good.

Then, the two set off in Jax's car, towards Ragatha's house.

Chapter Text

The drive to Ragatha's house was rather uneventful; The long straight roads of the suburbs eventually turned into long highway roads, with stretches of endless farming fields. Eventually, the fields became dense forests and the roads became more winding and into rolling hills. As the two them stared outside, Pomni noticed large estates hidden in the lush forests. 

"You know, her being rich makes a lot of sense." he said, looking over from drawing to glance at Pomni as the two of them drove through the endless hills to Ragatha's house. 

Pomni looked over, and eventually she rose her eyebrow at him as soft music played from the speakers of the car. He really did have the taste of a divorced father. 

"She's really nice, Jax, I don't get why you dislike her so much." She said as she glanced at him from the side.

She watched as Jax's knuckles turned white. He sighed.

"I don't... I don't "dislike" her. It's just obvious she's kind of fake, Pomni. She act's so hard to - sigh -...  nevermind." He said, trailing off and shaking his head. Poni had a theory on why the two of them didn't get along. Either they both had a "thing" for each other and broke up. Or... Maybe they got close. And as soon as Jax acted the way he did whenever someone got too close, Ragatha most likely took it ti face value and grew apart. 

She didn't say anything. Instead, Pomni reclined into her seat and rubbed her chin. 

"Like,... I get she's trying to be nice. It's not lost on me... But she makes too many assumptions. Now, she just. Yeah. Anyway... Who cares what I think."  He chatted, relaxing some as his face tensed to a lazy smile. 

Pomni nodded some.

---

Eventually, the two of them pulled up the elaborate drive through, finding that Ragatha had been waiting ever so patiently for the two of them. Ragatha's house was nothing too obnoxious or atrocious. It reminded Pomni more of those country houses Equestrian people have. Paired with the large expanses of fields and acres behind it, she was pretty sure it was just that. Pomni undid her seatbelt, before stepping out of the car and waving to the women who stood at the door. There were two other cars here, Poni noticed as she walked up.

Ragatha didn't seem to immediately focus on Jax, but rather on Pomni, who excitedly waved. She wore a long black skirt and a Y2k top to match. Pomni took notice just how pretty Ragatha's human form was. And, in the most respectful way possible, how well proportioned she was a a human.. Especially in the uhh... Ehem. Chest, department. 

"Hey Pomni!" she greeted, helping her up the steps to the front door. She turned her gaze to jax, who wore a striped shirt and a pair of gargo pants. He looked a little more "modern" thanks to Pomni's help. "Jax."

"Ragatha." he greeted, staying close behind Pomni as they walked inside the house; like a guard dog. The two shared a look, before he entered.

The doll fell to to Pomni's side again.
"The others are already here. Sorry if the drive was too long or anything!" She said, this time towards both of them as she offered to take Pomni's green coat. She nodded and set the coat on a coat hanger before leading Pomni to the living room...  and consequently Jax as well. 

Waiting in the living room was Gangle and Zooble, chatting amongst themselves before both looked up upon seeing Pomni... and consequently Jax.

"You two want any water?" Ragatha inquired, smiling some as she led them to the couch. Pomni took a seat, but Jax did not. Instead, he lingered in the corner. As Pomni looked over, she noticed that really stupid nervous tic of his back on his lips. The smile. She inhaled, before waving to Gangle and Zooble, who were sitting across from her on the L-shaped couch. Pomni immediately noticed something about Gangle she couldn't place.

"Hi Pomni!" she greeted, while folding her hand. hm... Glowy. Yeah, she seemed sort of glowy. Happy?

"Hey Pomni." Zooble greeted, also sort of having the same look as they waved. ... ohh...

ohhhhhhhhhh.

Pomni understood now. Those two were definitely sleeping with each other. Yeah, that made a lot of sense actually. 

Zooble, smirked at Pomni's subtle expressions. As much as Pomni was good at reading people, They were a bit better than her due to their past jobs. So, now that they were all not avatars, Zooble could now communicate entirely through microexpressions and body language. They glanced at pomni, who looked over her shoulder at Jax as he waved towards the two of them.

??? Wait,,, .... no. There was no way Pomni was into jax. But it didn't look like they were sleeping together or anything. Of course, that was until Pomni looked at Ragatha and offered her a nervous smile as she handed Pomni a glass of water. oh shit! ... Damn. ... Damn. If Zooble could eat a bag of popcorn right now; they'd love to.  It seemed like not only Pomni was into Jax, but maybe Ragatha too? Like, simultaneously? Or was this a love triangle?? Or not? Damn. This was crazy.

Zooble flipped their hair before reclining into the couch. Their left hand rested softly on Gangle's knew, who was fidgeting while glancing at Jax occasionally. 

"It's really pretty out here." Chatted Pomni to Ragatham as she sipped on some water. "You worked in real estate right?" She asked Ragatha, who blinked and looked over, before nodding and smiling. 

"Yeah, I did. I'm surprised you.. actually remembered." She said while smiling. "There's a lot of land around here, it's really refreshing compared to the city."

"I noticed there's a lot of land." She chatted.

Gangle spoke up, her voice soft. "She used to own horses."

Pomni's eyes sparkled. "Horses?" She asked the redhead, who laughed sadly and scratched the back of her neck.

"Yes.. But, uh... I was gone a little too long so.., you can probably guess.." She said, before staring at the floor and clearing her throat. Pomni frowned and softly shook her head, before reaching up and patting the back of her shoulder. 

"I'm really sorry." Pomni said, while cocking her head. 

Ragatha shook her head before clearing her throat and smiling at her. "Don't worry about me. -- How have you been Pomni? I was really worried about you. I mean, all of us were; the last couple of days."

Pomni sat up and folded her hands, before gesturing in the air. "Uhm, Well... I ... I tried going home, but, ... I guess.. Not being home for two years and not paying rent would certainly end up in me getting evicted. So, I was homeless.  I lost all my stuff..." She said, as she watched everyone frown. She raised her hands and waved her hands. "But, it's ... Fine I guess. Uhm.-- I went somewhere to ear and Jax found me that night. So, I've been staying at his place."

"Right... You said you were staying at his place." Ragatha said, hesitantly; Before squinting and looking at Jax. "I thought I dropped you off at the Hospital." She gently scolded. "You've been staying at Jax's?" 

Jax meanwhile walked over and leaned against the back of the couch, his smile ever so evident as he shrugged upon being called out about leaving the hospital.

"Uhm, Yes?" she said, feeling a sort of tension in the air for some reason, although she didn't get why.

"It's been really fun, We went to the beach and shopping and I've just been crashing on the couch-" Pomni told her friends, Ragatha gave a smile.

"Well, Pomni, I actually have a spare room you could use." Ragatha said, causing Pomni to smile some genuinely. Unbeknownst to her, Jax's smile dropped completely here, and he stared at her like a cat about to pounce on a mouse, before smiling once more like nothing happened. Zooble had noticed. "If- you want to, I mean. It's nothing too fancy, but I really wouldn't giving it to you until you're back onto your feet. Besides, I certainly wouldn't mind the company!" She said, tilting her head. 

"That's really nice, Ragatha-- Elizabeth. I'll have to think about it."

"What's there to think about?" Zooble asked as they crossed their legs and tilted their head. "One's staying on the couch and one is your own room." They said.

Pomni hesitated, and this time, Jax was the one who spoke up.

"Because we're actually having fun?" He asked, with a smile, as he propped his head onto his palm and stared as Zooble, who just scoffed softly. "Jeez- Guys- why are we acting like it's such a bad thing for p- Sophie to be staying with me?"He said, laughing slightly in annoyance. His grin had become more of a sardonic sneer than anything.

"Because... You're a dick?" Zooble asked, while shaking their head and tilting their head back as they stared at Jax; analyzing him.

"For your information, Zooble--"

"Elle."

"For your informarion, "Elle" - I have actually been "good."" He replied to them. 

Zooble looked at Pomni for confirmation, who nodded, now speaking up. "I really haven't mind staying with him. We've done a lot of stuff together. I mean, eventually i'll-"

"Then why don't you go ahead and take the room?" Asked Zooble, who watched Pomni Hesitate further.

"Look, Pomni doesn't wa-"
"Pomni, Jax isn't goo-"
"I can speak for myself." Pomni said.
"Seriously? I'm not good?" Jax asked, now his smile really was like a sneer.

"You know, we're all human now. You guys are acting like i'm sort of monster."

"That's because you-- you don't even have the audacity to--" Zooble gestured wildly to Ragatha,then to Gangle, who had completely looked away from Jax to mess with her hand. "even apologize to us. Any! of us! for the way you treated us. Of course we're worried for Pomni!"

"Oh, so was this some sort of fucked up intervention to "save" her from me? Is that what i'm hearing?? Listen to you. AND, maybe I was planning *to.* Maybe I didn't want to make it a whole thing!" 

Zooble now stood up straight-- pointing right at Jax, who had moved to stand stand straight as well; his smile now just borderline murderous sneer towards Zooble. Ragatha threw her hands up, trying to deescalate the situation, while Pomni tried to do the same by urging them both to sit down. It did no good; Jax pointed his chin up slightly, balling his fists as he laughed. 

"If you wanted to, you would have done it already. You're not FOOLING anyone." They said, pointing at him.

"I was going to!" Jax answered, raising his hands to his fluffy hair and tussling it. He looked at Gangle, then at Zooble, Then at Pomni and Ragatha. "Why- Why are you guys assuming i'm not human and some sort of sick monster! I had. to. do. what I had to. to survive. so I didn't go insane. because what was the alternative."

"Then quit fucking around and apologize, Damnit!"

"IM SORRY, OKAY??" He suddenly snapped; throwing his hands in the air, before clutching the air and looking frantically looking between everyone. "I WAS- " He took a deep breath, and Pomni could hear the way it was strained-- like it was hard to breathe. His voice shook for a moment, "I was going to- I - I get it. I'm just a - sick piece of shit. I was a dick.  I -- " He gave everyone a wild look, clenching his jaw before giving a semi deranged smile as he slipped into that... part of himself. . "I don't --" God... ... It was hard to breathe, and his vision was blurry. "I don't know why I - I don't-- Why i'm so -- FORGET IT! Why am I even-- I don't need ANY of you." He stated, before tuning on his heels and marching out.

Pomni was the first to spring up and chase after him, followed by Ragatha.

"Jax!" Pomni said, grabbing him by the wrist firmly before he could get too far; she clutched it, as he faced the door, absolutely seething.

"Pomni-- Just -- why don't you stay here, with Ragatha. I really don't need you around.-- I don't want you around. " He said, through obviously clutched breath.

"Jax." Pomni said, looking at his turned back.

"What?!" he snapped.

"Jax." She said, and this time he turned around; she watched the way his shoulder's tremble, and the way he was trying so desperately to maintain a smile on his face that would not stay. His chest was rapidly heaving up and down as he stared down at her.

"What?! huh?! Just fucking go--"

She didn't; her gaze only softened and her eyebrows furrowed. She took his hand.

"...You're doing it again." She spoke, her voice soft as she held his hand. She watched his smile drop, and his bottom lip quiver once, before he tried to desperately smile. She watched as he tried desperately to get into a character that would not come to him-- because that character was breaking. "Come back to the room, please.."

"Don't." He pleaded, once, softly.

"You can go back. You can say what's on your mind, what's -- really on your mind, and they'll listen."

She watched as that smile didn't come back, and his eyes get glassy. She suddenly surged forward and hugged him tightly. The rabbit visibly tensed underneath her, and for a moment she wondered if she was about to be shoved away, remembering the past. Instead, he wrapped an arm securely around her and leaned against the door; his breath only quickening at a rapid speed as he balled up his fists. "Go away-" he tried telling her, through ragged breaths.

Pomni realized something really quickly; this... Jax was hyperventilating. She suddenly pressed her ear to his chest-- hearing the sound of a rapid heartbeat, that was only increasing. 

This...
This was a panic attack, that had been disguised as anger.

"Breathe." She ordered Jax.
He looked at her like she was insane. "What the fuck are you t-"
"Just breathe!" She ordered, and Jax obeyed; finding that he really couldn't get a deep enough breath. He tried swallowing any air. 
"Again."Pomni ordered. He did, trying to get him to simmer down some.

Like, a wild animal, pushed into a corner of a cage; pushed to the limits due to fear.

-- so scared of the hand that had pushed it there.
So it bit.
A scared rabbit who bit.
A scared rabbit who didn't know why it bit others.
Jax didn't know why he bit, he just did. 

Jax desperately wished  Pomni would let go of him, and desperately wished no one could see him fall apart like this. "Go away." He ordered again, desperately, this time trying to gently get Pomni off of him as he tried to scamper through the door.., Unable to due to her tight hold, tears filled his eyes, much to his deep hatred.

before glaring at the other three who had stood in the doorway of Ragatha's living room. 

"Please- don't-" he tried weakly at them; his breath stuttering completely. "Go away.. please."

Pomni suddenly whipped around upon realizing they were there; then she  pointed to ragatha, which who had been the closes out of the three. 

"Get an icecube!" She said. She blinked, before nodding curtly and practically running off. This seemed to spur Zooble and Gangle too, who hurried off as well. 

Pomni dragged the shaking rabbit to the couch, sitting him down firmly by the shoulders: looking him in the eyes. "Just keep breathing." She said, and he tried to listen to her, as he felt a warm hand on his his head. Soon after, Gangle returned with a fluffy blanket, which she draped quickly over Jax's shoulders. Zooble then returned with some sort of stress ball, which was promptly placed into his hand; and much to his dismay, he squeezed the life out of it.

Finally, Ragatha entered, holding a big cup of ice; which she handed to Pomni. 

She shoved an icecube into his mouth immediately, which seemed to shock him out from spiraling too quickly. 

...

No one moved too suddenly; before they all seated themselves slowly around Jax; watching his movements carefully. Ragatha sat on the arm of the couch, while Zooble sat in front of him... Gangle and Pomni took the left of him; watching him come down a little as he sucked on an icecube. He turned his gaze down to the floor.
...

How fucking embarrassing.

How humiliating. 

There was a definite silence that stayed here, before gangle was surprisingly the first one to speak; watching Jax frantically shake his leg in an attempt to regulate himself to some degree. 
"Have... you always... um... had... attacks, like that?" She asked, hesitantly, half expecting Jax to tear her a new one for even daring to ask him a question. 

"Fuck y- ,,," He said, over the ice cube, then chose the nicer option, by squeezing the fuck out of the stress ball in his hand and not; doing that. "It'sf notf anf attack." He said, over the ice cube.

Pomni watched as he pulled the soft blanket closer over himself. "Leavef mef alonef."

"That was definitely a panic attack dude... " replied Zooble. "I've seen a lot."

Pomni heard the icecube in Jax's mouth suddenly pop, then crunch as he clenched his jaw tightly. His eyes twitched. "Why don't I show you an actual atta-"

Pomni immediately stuck another icecube in his mouth, making the rabbit send her a half hearted glare. She just gave a little shrug; smiling some weakly as she noticed some life come back to his eyes.

"How long have you... uhm.. been dealing with those?" Ragatha asked softly.

Jax didn't answer, he just gave her a tired glare, before staring at the floor... Great. 

"Maybfe let'sf noft psychoanalyzfe mef likef a freakf."

"Why don't you.. tell them what you told me, in the parking lot." Pomni said. Jax immediately shook his head, before practically death gripping the poor stress ball, before folding his arms and trying to sink away into the couch.  "Jax... Seriously... I think maybe.. you should." She urged.

"... Pomni. No." He mumbled.

Zooble had already guessed the nature of Pomni's request and their eyebrows shot down into strong furrows.

"Really?..." They asked, while looking at pomni, who gave the smallest of nods.

"What?" Asked gangle, followed by Ragatha.
...

Great. 

"I was going to abstract." He stated with another sneer,

crunch.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

There was a thick tension in the air after these words. Out of all of them, they had assumed Kinger or ,, honestly Ragatha. Never had it occurred to any of them that Jax would of been next. 

And the scary thing was, no one had really seen the signs. 

 ... 
Pomni shoved another icecube into his mouth as he worked on actively murdering the stress ball into his hands. If he had ears, they would be pinned to his head. 

Finally, zooble, sighed, rubbing their face, before looking at Jax, then at Pomni, then at Ragatha... Before back at Jax. 

"... I'm sorry I... Raised my voice at you." They spoke. "And, I'm sorry you.. ..  you got so close to that point. But, ... I... I.. this doesn't account for all the shit you did to us." They said, keeping their voice soft. 

Jax stared them, before lowering his head some. There wasn't anywhere for him to hide- no where for him to lash out to. 

"I'm sorry ." He said, quietly, genuinely.

Pomni watched as he attempted to look at his friends... Who, despite the way he had treated him just moments prior, had still come to help him in a time of need. 

"But it's not like I just never cared about any of you... Each time I got close to someone, they'd either abstract or ...." Leave him. It wasn't like real life wasn't much different. 

He finally made eye contact with Gangle, and held it; ever she stared back now. 

"I'm sorry I treated you like shit. I thought it was like a game, and it wasn't." 

... Satisfied, Zooble stood up, patting him once on the head, like how someone would treat an obnoxious little sibling. Pomni finally exhaled the deep breath she had been holding, before abruptly, all eyes were on her instead. 

"Um." She said, holding up her hands defensively, suddenly feeling nervous. "Yes?" 

"Kinger." 

"Ah." She said, slowly, dropping her hands. "What... About him."

"You were the closest to him ... And; no offense... You're handling him leaving us a little too well." Zooble said; suddenly the designated group therapist. 

Pomni suddenly nervously laughed; finding out that maybe the apple didn't fall far from the metaphorical giving tree that was Jax. Maybe they were more similar than she had thought. 

"Whattt,,, are you talking about—" she tried, only for Jax to lower his head and give her a long look— suddenly able to read through her like an open book. 

"Don't play stupid." He told her, before reaching over, opening her han, and entrusting her with the stress ball. 

"Look, I really, have better things to be doing so why don't I take Jax home and we meet up later!" She said, while nervously laughing and patting Jax's back with her palm. ,,,,,,,

No one was buying it, which caused her to wave her hands in dismissal towards everything and everyone. 

"I was actually thinking about holding a funeral, for him ..." Ragatha suggested, softly, her eyes softening as she watched Pomni deflate. Ragatha had grown pretty close to him too. It's like the whole group lost a father figure. 

"That'd... Be nice." Pomni decided, looking down. 

"Let's meet up again, next week.  I... I think we all deserve a good break... After this... And Pomni, genuinely, the room's open."Ragatha concluded.

With that, Ragatha concluded their brief meeting. Jax and Pomni were to first to leave; both of them silently entered the car— not saying a word to each other, before Jax abruptly dropped his head on the steering wheel; sighing incredibly deeply. 

Pomni didn't say anything, only because she didn't know how. Finally, he started the car. 

"I can drive." She suggested, softly, in which Jax just shook his head. "I like driving."

"Oh ohkay." She replied, fidgeting with her hands. 

The car ride home was a short one. 

Chapter Text

The two of them arrived at Jax's house once more, And Pomni realized her carefully constructed bubble of comfort had been threatening to pop the more she thought about... Well the reality of her situation.

She had so hard to try and -- well, ... She wasn't sure what she was trying for. She had just been enjoying Jax's company, but she hadn't realized she had been putting off her inevitable grief.

Jax had driven the majority of the way back to his home in silence; and Pomni could swear he could see the spirals in his eyes that they would get when they were still avatars. Even then, though, he managed to take a deep breath and calm down slightly.

"... I am going to jump off a bridge." He finally spoke, rubbing his lower half of his face with his left hand. Pomni was starting to believe he was left handed.

"WHAT?"

"I'm joking." He answered, resolutely and quickly.

"Oh." Pomni said, clearing her throat awkwardly.

,,,

"Sorry." She added, with a nervous laugh. "Uhm, ... Well, at least wee.. know that you... Uhm, don't actually.. "

"I don't actually what? I'm not an asshole? Believe me Pomni, just because I get whatever you called them "attacks" or whatever— I'm still an asshole." He stated.

Pomni looked at him from the side.

"Well. ... Uhm... Jax, have you ever considered the fact your bipolar."

"Well that's rich—"

"No, I meant... Actually. I know people used that a lot as a joke in the past but, have you considered you actually might *be* bipolar?" She asked, genuinely. "These... Attacks, could be from—"

"Please don't psychoanalyze me."

"I'm going to." She said, firmly, before continuing. "You only get like that whenever someone gets too close to you; then you get scared they're going to leave you." She said slowly. "You only started ... Getting like this after Ragatha offered me a room."

...

She watched as he stared ahead, letting her words hang there.

"I don't know." He answered, genuinely, not looking at her. "But it's not like we can go to a therapist for our troubles, is it."

Pomni reclined in the car seat, sighing, and shaking her head.

"And you're just as bad as I am when it comes to avoiding the truth." He said, sliding his eyes over to her, which she blinked some, before looking away; throughly called out. "I guess we're both a little fucked up."

"I guess we are."

———

Pomni was just glad they were home; as she exited the car door and rubbed her face, feeling the sun.

"Hey Pomni?" Asked Jax from the other side of the car. She watched as he walked around the car to her side. He stood in front of her. "Why'd you keep shoving ice cubes in my mouth??" He suddenly asked, tilting his head.

Pomni stared up at him, unable to really go anywhere with him right in front of her.

"Oh, well, it's because it sort of snaps you out if it because it's so cold. My dad used to have PTSD so I kinda knew what to do." She said, tapping her jacket. ... "A little. In terms of panicking." She said. She stared up at him. "And, uhm, I'm sorry. Panic attacks aren't fun... It kinda feels like you're dying. Like. A —"

"Like a heart attack?" He concluded.

She nodded. "That's the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack. An anxiety attack makes you spiral. A panic attack makes you feel like you're dying. And if you combine the two... Yikes." She said, taking Jax's hand, much to his surprise.

"So how long have you felt like you were dying?"

"A while." He confessed.

"Before the circus?" She asked.

He nodded again.

"Then it just got worse."

She nodded wearily, before giving him a proper hug. And this time, there was no hesitation in hugging her back. He was comfortable with her being her. Despite his fucked up he was, she'd stay by his side. That made him feel a lot better.

"Heh. You're so short." He mumbled, smiling to himself as he patted her head. She suddenly shoved him and cleared her throat, walking past him.

"I hope you trip."

...

Once the two entered, both of them seemed to physically exhale upon returning to their bubble of safety. Pomni was half tempted to never leave again, as she stared at the couch. Although, she realized that at some point, she'd have to go.

"Jax ..." She finally said, trying to gently bring it up.

"What's up?" He asked, as he hung Pomni's jacket carefully by the door. He walked over; standing beside her as they both stared at the couch.

He clicked his tongue.

He looked back over to Pomni, before folding his arms.

"Right." He stated, staring, before shrugging. "You can just sleep in my bed." He replied, innocently, shrugging away as he heard Pomni snort.

"I'm not doing that, Jax. Where'd you sleep?"

"On the couch. I don't care."

"No. I wouldn't do that to you." She said, smiling as she eyed him from the side.

"Oh.... ... Then, you could sleep right next to me?" He flirted, his voice dropping an octave as he smirked. He watched Pomni's face turn a bright pink as he shoved him to the side.

"Ew, you're such a man! " She said, walking away and throwing her hands up. Ahhh ... Good times. Jax watched her as she walked to the porch, carefully. ... Well; technically, he was half right. If he could —

No.

He didn't want to risk losing her by.. by. .... That. Although he did have to beat that part of his brain with a stick as he stared her down. He couldn't help it too much, Pomni really was pretty. He glanced at the posters he had on the wall, deciding he'd work on removing everything as he tried to desperately brainstorm on ways to keep Pomni around that wasn't,,, sharing a bed, or giving her his room.

Chapter Text

A long hallway, with a bright red exit.
Like her subconscious, trying to tell her she still needed to escape.

She walked forward, outstretching her hand, but the door only seemed to get further and further away, the more she tried to get closer.

The exit.
The exit.
The exit.
The exit.
Exit.
Exit.
Exit.

She whipped her head around, and a thousand eyeballs watched her every movement. Had she really ever left? Was that her? She turned on her heels, towards not the exit, but the abstracted figures in front of her.

Exit.

Exit.

Enter.

Enter.

Relax.

Accept it.

She took a deep breath; staring at all the forms — all the souls, that could not escape digital hell. Their souls, trapped there. Trapped in purgatory.

Set us free.
You know you need to go back.
Can you go back?

Exit—

———

Pomni sat up, a startled gasp escaping her mouth, followed by a choked breath, staring into a pair of black eyes, filled with deep concern.

"Jax??"

"Sophie."

She blinked, a couple times, before her hand flew to her chest as she tried to calm her beating heart. She shivered, covered in sweat. All she could hear was her fast breathing. It felt like she had ran a marathon. She ran through her five senses immediately.

Sight; eyes. Darkness. So, so, Dark.
Feeling: sweaty. Blanket. Hands on her shoulders.
Taste: metallic.
Hearing: her breath. Crickets.

She processed this information in rapid time, before relaxing some as she felt a warm, rough, hand on her cheek, holding her face.

"What was that??"

"I don't know." She said, slowly, rubbing her eyes. "Just. A a.. stupid dream I guess. I'm ... fine."

"I came out here for water, and you were— shaking, and, ..." He suddenly wiped the tears off her cheek with his thumb, analyzing her face carefully. "Did you have a nightmare?" He asked; his voice uncharacteristically soft, but still having the same sort of slur it usually did.

She nodded, causing him to exhale some.

"You scared the daylights out of me." He mumbled, sliding to sit next to her on the couch.

Pomni managed to make a weak laugh, while wiping her eyes with her palms, laughing.

"... You sound like an old man when you said that." She managed, causing Jax to snort and click his tongue some.

"Shut up, would you?" He joked, before watching her carefully. He lingered there on the couch some, before hesitantly reaching over. He patted her back. Which, in someway, surprised Pomni, because usually it was always her who touched him, not the other way around. In a way, his hand grounded her some. She felt his hand travel from her back, to the side of her shoulder, giving it a soft squeeze. He then stood up, and offered her a hand.

"Wanna see something cool?"

"That's a... Scary sentence..." Pomni tried to joke, before nodding. She took his hand. And surprisingly, he led her to the bedroom. He clicked the light on and she saw... Nothing... Well, nothing but his bedroom, which was unusually bare, other than some photos of what she assumed was Jax's family. His beddung was pink, which made her guess maybe that had been his actual favorite color. Her eyes stung at how bright it was in here now.

She eyed him a bit suspiciously, when she didn't see anything "cool" — before he held out a finger— as if to say "wait."

...

He then flicked the lights off; and a thousand glow and the dark stars came to life on the ceiling, creating a mini galaxy on the ceiling. It... Was actually rather impressive. And cute.

It caused her to laugh, now engulfed in a comfortable darkness, unlike earlier.

"Are you afraid of the dark?" Asked Jax, but she couldn't see him in the dark like this, just his soft voice.

"Would... You laugh if me if I said yes."

"A little." He lied.

"A little." She answered, but no laughter actually ensued.

"You can lay in here." He said, genuinely. "And I can turn a light on."

"No... This is nice." She answered. She hesitated some; really hard; but ... Her nightmare had unnerved her. And, as much as she hated being weak, she was still nervous. "Can you stay?..." She suddenly asked, balling her fists up in embarrassment at her moment of weakness. "Just, a little bit. I just... ... I'm scared I'll wake up... There."

...
She didn't hear a response for a moment, before finally she head a "yeah."

She moved to the bed, slowly, before laying down. The mattress was still warm, at least, and she had found a pillow in the middle of the bed, like someone had been hugging it. And suddenly, she realized that maybe Jax had never fell asleep at all.

She laid down on the bed, a little nervously, but found the bed quite more comfortable then the couch. She could sink into it more; and with the comfort of a thousand glow in the dark stars, she felt safe.

She hugged herself, before feeling a weight on the bed. Although on the far other side.

Eventually, another shift, and she could hear Jax lay down beside her, although keeping a good distance away, clearly trying not to startle her or make things awkward... Which honestly probably made things more awkward then if he had just laid down on the bed normally.

...

She could almost pretend they were stargazing together. If she hadn't been so tired, she'd suggest going and doing that instead of sleeping; but she was mentally exhausted.

As if a mind-reader, Jax spoke up.

"I actually liked Kinger."

"I ... Yeah. Me too."

...

"He just, really missed his wife." He said, genuinely, as if they were really stargazing rather than trying to sleep. "I guess, love makes you do some really stupid things, huh?"

"Did you ever hear him talk about her, he was deeply in love... I don't blame him, I guess." Pomni answered, not really able to see anything but the glowing stars. She could hear the hum of a fan, and Jax's occasional breath or shift.

She smelled tobacco and vanilla.

"Have you ever been in love?" Jax asked in the dark. Pomni stared at the ceiling.

"No." She answered. "Not like that, I mean. Not like wanting to sacrifice everything and anything for eternity with them."

"...,,,Right."

She felt Jax shift slightly; like the sound of fabric, maybe.

"What about you?" Pomni's asked, rolling onto her side. She couldn't see anything, but she knew, somehow, Jax was facing her.

"Yeah."

"Like you'd give everything away, sort of love?"

"Yeah."

"How do you get to that point?"

"I'm not sure. I guess she just comes to you." He replied.

She ...

"What happened to her?"

...

"Idunno." He answered.

"Did you want to fall in love?"

"What do you think?"

"Knowing you, probably not. But... No offense, it's hard to see you even... *Try* and let yourself be unguarded like that."

"Hah. Yeah. I know. ,,, *tch-* she was pretty persistent. And annoying. I didn't know until it was too late. Now, I'm just annoyed about it when I realized."

Pomni only grew more confused and puzzled. How could he not know what happened to this mystery woman... And why did she feel a little... Sad? The poor jester was completely oblivious to the pair of eyes on hers.

"I guess, ... They'd have to be a really close friend for me to even get to that point." She confessed.

She heard a little laugh. Pretty laugh.

"Like Ragatha?"

"Huh?"

"Well... You like her right?"

"I... I. ... Ragatha's really nice... And, really pretty. — oh my God do you like Ragatha???" Pomni suddenly asked with a gasp, causing Jax to laugh harder.

"No— well. I — Maybe a little, but way, way, back. But, hey, nothing like someone else."

Pomni felt somehow more confused, as if she had more questions than answers. She didn't want to sound insensitive and ask more. But... She did find that this helped calm her nerves, as she reached her hand out to fake stars— watching whisps of her shadowy fingers silhouette against the ceiling.

"It feels like we're two kids talking about crushes." Jax said, causing Pomni to laugh some, smiling to herself.

"Yeah. It's fun."

"I just think it's funny, also, how you can explore scary buildings, but you're afraid of the dark, and you're scared from jump scares."

"Don't patronize me, Mitch."

"Wow, the full name huh?"

"Yeah, take that." She teased, smiling to herself.

...

...

"You feel better?"

"Yeah. The beds nice..."

"Good. Go to bed. I'm tired and I don't want to listen to you whine about anything else."

"Oh shut up." Replied Pomni, smirking.

"On it~"

...

She felt the bed shift, and the weight come a bit closer to her side; but never dare to get any closer. Pomni exhaleed some to herself, just feeling secure Jax was right here with her.

Maybe she really was more messed up than she thought. She didn't really want to deal with all of this, though. She didn't want to grieve, she didn't want to be afraid, she didn't want to be scared, she didn't want to rely on anyone, she didn't want any of this. She just wanted to... Dissociate. She didn't want to feel *anything* else again. She thought... She thought that maybe, if she had escaped, life would be perfect. Life would be good. ... It should of been good.

Funny, isn't it?
Funny how that worked.

Suddenly, she felt a pair of familiar and sturdy arms wrap around her; pulling her close to his chest, before resting his head on top of hers. She didn't fight it.. she just curled into a ball into herself; weak and so done with everything.

"Hey.. er— you're breathing too quickly..." He sId, as if knowing too well.

"I don't want to be sad, Jax." She whispered.

...

"...I know, Sophie. " He mumbled. "I'm sorry. I wish... I wish... I could help more... I can't help you. — Not like that... I think you're going to have to... Ride the waves of everything. We're both going to have to. ..."

"Why did... He die and I live?"

"Pomni ..."

"It isn't fair." She whispered.

"I know." He said, resting his head on top of hers. "...but, I'm glad you're here... If he hadn't, then what? All of us would be stuck there still... If even alive at all." It wasn't exactly a comforting thought, but the truth.

She rolled over, into his arms, and into his chest. He only squeezed harder; until they were pressed together. It was nice. 

"C'mon; ya big baby. Relax... We'll... We'll... ,, we'll do something fun. What's something fun you want to do?"

Pomni was grounded by this question, before clutching his shirt. Tabbaco and vanilla.

"...H-have you gone to the fair before?"

"No. Usually those don't interest me and the games are a scam and it's expensive and I hate heights ...........,,, BUT — we, can. ,, go. If. You. Want ,"

This made Pomni laugh a little, before nodding. "I do. I haven't gone in a while, it used to be my favorite as a kid. ... I want to go again."

"Alright." He sighed, deeply. A promise was a promise. "It's a date."

"A date?" She teased, feeling him get a bit hot.

"Ew, as if." He lied.

She snorted.

"I bet I can win all the games."
"I bet you can't. Considering they're rigged."
"Nuh uh."
"Yah huh."
"I'll win." She said, while tucking her head into his chest. She relaxed; hearing his steady, yet fast, heart and deep breaths. "If I win, we have to do anything I want."
"If I win; anything I want."
"Deal."
"Deal."

Chapter Text

"what if we see a carnival tent, do you think both of us will just flip our shit?" He asked, walking side by side by Pomni. Sbe laughed at his sudden comment, hopping out of the car; pocketing her hands.

The two of them had arrived rather late to the fair due to account of sleeping togetherer so late into the day.

Pomni has been sporting her new look in her new clothes, ripped jeans and a short sleeve tank top. In her mouth was a sucker she had purchased at the gas station, mostly for Jax, who was sporting one as well. Why for Jax? Pomni had purchased a bag of suckers to get him to stop smoking.

The rabbit was sporting a layered look himself; a band shirt under a flannel and an attempt to get his loose curls to be taked enough, to no avail, straight legged jeans, and a pair of combat boots. She wasn't sure how someone could dress so bisexually and still like women. ,,, Unless he didn't all the way. Wait. Was she stereotyping? Wait. Could she stereotype when she was bisexual??? Wait duh all bisexuals like women. So maybe she was stereotyping. Oh God. She scratched her chin and squinted. Jax reached over and tapped her cheek with the back of his hand twice.

"Ay Pomni, stop staring, it's weird."

"I'll look where I please." She stated.

He rolled his eyes and ushered to the entrance of the fair. The two of them paid to get in, before investigating the food vendors first. The sound of live music filled the air nearby. As the both of them finally found out it was that strange period where it the end of summer, where the evenings had started to become chilly, and the days warm.

As they purchased an assortment of food, Jax decided to interview his friend further.

"Hey Pomni, you said you were going to go into film?"

"Yeah, I uh, was." She said.

"Doesn't that mean you're a film buff."

"Yeah, actually." She said. Smiling as she took a big bite of her cotton candy as they walked. Jax, meanwhile, was holding cheese curds, munching on them they walked. Although this town was a usually a tourist destination due to its beaches, there was a huge film school renowned for the movies and documentaries it put out. "But obviously, you can see that's not what I'll do now."

"Why not?"

"I dunno. I feel like it wouldn't make a lot of money." She said, shrugging.

"I mean, were you making money as an accountant..."

"Not really." She stated, stopping in front of the rides. She then kept walking, planning to finish her food first. "God I hated it. Actually. It was the same thing. Everyday. Over and over. The numbers. So.... Much numbers..." She shivered. Before realizing she actually hated the idea of going back.

"Then why not?" Jax asked, standing besides her as they stared at the ride. It was a ride that spun you around in circles at high speed. Pomni felt as if they went on it, she'd pretty sure one if not both of them would be sick. She didn't picture Jax as the type of person to ever,,, respectfully, handle that. "Might as well do what you like."

She looked over. He had a point and a dumb smile to boot.

"I guess."

Jax smiled, patting her back before walking a lot.

"C'mon, I want to smash you. In games."

",,, uhm." Pomni said in response, was,, that an innuendo or a mistake.

———

The first game they decided was ring toss. Pomni they paid for a game, before Pomni absolutely obliterated poor Jax as she got all three in the middle on the middle prize rings. She laughed victoriously, in his FACE as she was gifted a
enormous cat plushy.

She grinned ear to ear, before pushing it into his hands victoriously.

"So far, I'm winning Bunny boy."

"I... Really wish you didn't call me that." He replied, but holding the plushy. She watched his light up though the more he stared at it, holding it in his arms.

He glanced at her, as to silently ask if it was his. She shrugged, and nodded with a grin, watching his face light up even more as he held it out with outstretched arms.

She swore she heard him whisper 'ill call you catty." He then tucked it underneath his arms, and the two walked over to another game. This game was simple; aim water into a hole until the tank filled up with water and rang a bell, adorned with colorful characters to hit.

Jax took this to personal vice with the characters as he as he aimed at them with intent to kill. Understandable, under his death glare, the colorful characters were defeated, and he was awarded a ticket to the Ferris wheels, although he looked particularly disgusted with this.

Pomni questioned his face. "Why do you look so pissed."

"I hate heights..." He mumbled.

"Oh c'mon, no one's died on Ferris wheels."

"So many people die on Ferris wheels."

"You're such a big baby."

Jax took offense with a gasp. "Nuh uh."

"You are!" She teased as they walked, before debating amongst themselves if they should play a third and final game as a tie breaker. What game they decided on would be the declared winner on their deal.

After some heavy debate they decided on throwing darts. They paid the vendor. "I want the bunny." She said to Jax, as they stood side by side.

"Well *I* want the bunny." He said, as they both looked up at the prizes.

She threw the first dart, and it popped. She gave a victorious shake of her fist, as she watched Jax throw the second dart. It bounced off the balloon thar was supposed to be popped, and he just scoffed in disbelief. "No way." Pomni laughed at his defeated look, even snorting a bit, before throwing her two darts. She managed to pop one more, securing her victory, before Jax surprisingly followed suite.

They were both handed medium size plush rabbits; both smiling victoriously. Jax's rabbit was black, while her rabbit is white. The two of them giggled mischievously amongst themselves as they made them both tap bunny noses.

"Oh wait, none of us won." She said, blinking as she held her white bunny out.

Jax held his before sticking out his tongue.

"Tie?"
"Tie."

"Then we both won. And... We both get deals."
"Deal."
———

The two of them held their respective bunnies as they walked, she stared at the Ferris wheel in the distance. The night sky made it sparkle against the horizon.

"We should do it." Pomni said, before shivering some at the cold breeze that rolled through the fair. She rubbed her goosebumps, wishing she had wore a long sleeve shirt. Suddenly, of on que, she felt something warm drape over her shoulders. It took her a moment to realize it was Jax's flannel over her shoulders. He didn't say anything, instead walking away towards the Ferris wheel.

Pomni paused, before smiling to herself, standing in the crowd, before looking ahead at Jax, who realized he wasn't being followed. He cocked an eyebrow at her, before she slipped on his flannel and hurried behind him.

Chapter Text

The two of them waited in line, staring ahead as they peered up into the steering wheel. Jax kept a hahd on his hip, and his other around two plushies. Pomni heard the occasional clicking of the wheel, debating if it was supposed to make that sound or not.

Pomni held her own, but stood next to him as well, swaying back and forth on her feet. Jax watched her for a moment, before his lips curled up in amusement the more he watched her.

"Pom, you ever stand still?" He teased, watching her as she paused her swaying movements, as she stared at him through the lashes in her eyes.

"Nope."

Jax just puffed an air of amusement, watching his hair ruffle some in the wind. He turned his head to the Ferris wheel, sort of dreading how high they'd be.

But... They had free tickets to it. Might as well use it.

---

The two stepped into and onto the cart moments later. Thankfully for Jax, it was fully enclosed. She sat across from the rabbit. Before they ascended on the wheel slowly. The cart was not illuminated but the lights of the Ferris wheel outside the cart occasionally made the inside faintly glow.

Jax looked rather annoyed, the more and more higher they got, as he bounced his foot as the wheel stopped at the top. Luckily, they were at the top. Pomni scooted to the cart window, making the cart sway some as she stared outside, her eyes sparkling from the lights.

"Look, Jax, you can see all the lights out here." She said, referring to the twinkling city lights on the distance. "Look, you can see the ocean." She beamed, as she moved to sit the rabbit beside her like a fellow passenger. Jax watched as an orange glow illuminated her face from outside, but he was a little too stressed out from his high they were to appreciate her true beauty. She looked over, suddenly; causing an arrow to suddenly pierce his chest. And maybe stab him while it was there, relatively.

She grinned. Stab.

"Jax? You're going to kill your rabbit." She joked, watching him squeeze the life out of the poor black rabbit on his lap. He suddenly scoffed; the cart now glowing a dark and calming red. "You can't be that afraid of heights can you?" She asked, watching him.

"Stop moving the cart." He scolded her.

Then, in a moment of assholeness, she shook the cart, causing for the rabbit to yelp, before throwing the rabbit at her while laughing. "Stop IT!!!"

She swayed it further than grinned, before scooting on the cart to sit next to him, causing the cart to lean.

"I hate you so much right now."

She only snorted and laughed mischievously as the cart slowly rocked.

...

...

..
...
...

"Hey isn't the cart supposed to move again."

"That's not funny."

Pomni shook her head, looking at her best friend, before staring outside again.

"No I'm actually serious." She said, looking down. She peered outside. Ah shit.

...

"Really???"

"I'm pretty sure we should have been moving by now."

Jax threw his head back in agony, exposing his Adams apple as he brought his hands distressingly to his face. "I knew coming here was a BAD IDEAA"

"WELL— IT WAS FUN FOR A SECOND I DIDN'T KNOW WE'D GET TRAPPED UP HERE"

"this is YOUR FAULT!!!"

"NU UH, YOU WON TICKETS SO ITS YOUR FAULT !!!"

"AAAAAAAAAA"

"AAAAAAAAAAAA"

"YOU THREW ME OUT OF A MOVING TRUCK."

...

...

" Now what?"

"Fuck if I know."

Pomni crossed her legs, before sighing. Yeah, they aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

...

"Wanna make out?"

HELLO?!

"JAX??!"

"WHAT?? WHAT ELSE ARE WE GOING TO DO?"

Pomni smothered his face with the plush rabbit, causing him to laugh maniacally as he was murdered by the plushy. Before she took the rabbit and beat him up with it, wacking his shoulder and aggressively while laughing herself, grinning ear to ear as she heard the sound of Jax genuinely laughing under her attacks.

She pulled away, smiling absolutely victoriously as he heard him cackle as he had put his arms up; at some point, she heard a snort between laughs, causing her to laugh too. She liked him a lot more like this.

"Wanna try that again?" She threatened, while holding the bunny in her hands threateningly. She was now illuminated in the color blue from outside. It seemed the colors changed every five minutes.

"Maybe." He said, sheepishly holding his arms out in case Pomni decided to beat him up again. She didn't, but cocked an eyebrow, before scrunching up her nose as him.

Stab.

"Stop looking at me like that." He told her, reaching over and turning her face away from him with his palm. She laughed some, before she returned the favor.

"Like what???" She asked.

"Like you just did."

"Oh whatever." She said, although she rolled her eyes and grinned, before sitting on his knee as she stared outside. He let her, not afraid of the lack of personal space between them.

There was a comfortable silence between them as the color outside changed to purple.

"Hey, Jax."

"What's up?" He recited, as if rehearsed.

"Do you think we'll be friends forever?" She said, innocently, now kicking her feet again; she placed a hand on his shoulder for some support.

He clicked his tongue, sighed, and rolled his eyes, before leaning back some, staring at Pomni stare outside with some childlike joy in her eyes. She seemed ever so happy to have such a view of her home like this.

Jax turned his head again, following her gaze finally, to dare stare outside from here. He blinked. He hadn't dared look outside like this ever before; always so afraid of heights, but with Pomni near and with so much joy in her eyes, he finally managed to look. The views were breathtaking.

This was his home. This was her home. They probably grew up here, in this city. Thanks to Pomni, he could see it in a new light. It was pretty... He looked up at her again.

It was pretty.

"I guess." He replied, finally, causing Pomni to snort.

"You guess?"

"Yeh. I think so... I don't uh... I don't think anyone could annoy me anymore than you do." He said, elbowing her playfylly. She elbowed him in the side, causing Jax to sincerely since and suck some air through his teeth, touching his side. 

"Ow."

Annoying?

Pomni blinked, before profusely apologizing at the wound from where he threw himself at to let her escape—

"I'm so sorry Jax— I forgot — I forgot it was — .......,,, , ,,,,,"

She suddenly looked sharply down at him, frog blinking at him. He slowly raised his eyebrows.

",,, what? — what. What's that look for? Why are you looking at me like that. ,,,, seriously, Pomni, you're freaking me out, ,,, okay seriously?? What??? You're looking at me like I have five heads." He said, tapping his face with one hand while his other hand on his face, very confused why Pomni had been staring at him with such an intensity that could make him melt.

",... Uhm. " She said. Smartly, before sliding off his knee and beside him.

Annoying. Someone you'd sacrifice everything for. Best friends

Hooooly shit.

Holy shit.

There's no way— there's no way!

There's no way she could POSSIBLY be the woman he was talking about. There was no FEASIBLE WAY IT WAS HER. HAHA THAT WOULD BE ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS HAHAHA—

Pomni suddenly wacked him with the bunny again, causing him to help and laugh as he was hit.

"WHY ARE- hahaHA- STop- YOU ABUSING ME?!??" He yelped, suddenly illuminated in green. "WHY WON'T THIS CART- **SNORT**— MOVE I'M STUCK WITH A CRAZY PERSON!!! I DIDN'T EVEN DO ANYTHING WRONG!!!"

"YOUR DUMB FACE IS WRONG."

"HEY!"

Pomni wanted nothing more than to flee now, but she was stuck. Stuck here by some cruel, unbenevolent, god. Like, some sort of author behind a phone wanting nothing more to make her suffer with FEELINGS!?

...

She sat, out of breath, and Jax hesitantly lowered his arms, watching her pant, and her face red. Wearily he held his arms back up as she turned her gaze back to him, nervously laughing.

"What is WITH you?! All of the sudden?!'

"I'm suddenly claustrophobic." She lied, moving to hold her red face. Jax pointed it out, much to her dismay, as he gestured with his finger to her red cheeks.

"You're all, like, red? Please don't throw up. I do NOT want to be stuck here with throw up." He said.

Jax... Stop saying stupid shit while she was having a crises... Please....

"It'd smell bad and I am already kind of freaking out; and if YOU freak out, I'LL freak out, and then WE'LL be freaking out, and then that'll be really... Really... Really... Annoying."

,.......

Pomni placed her head in her bands, before sighing. What a cruel fate she was suffering now, as they were still stuck in this Ferris wheel. ... ........

She looked up, as those changing lights turned yellow, she sighed, staring at the way Jax was staring at her. He blinked, so completely unaware of anything happening. But then he smiled, a real kinda nerdy, nervous smile, at her; metaphorical sparkles around her... Blissfully unaware. Also trying not to get murdered again by a stuffed rabbit.

Oh.

....

Ah, shit.

"What could you possibly be thinking about that has you this weird?" He asked, while gently shaking his head.

The outside light turned red, and Pomni lingered for a moment, red lights in her eyes as she stared at Jax, who was wondering what she was possibly thinking about, while she thought of him in return. And the stupid way his eyes were so gentle and the dumb way he seemed to be so nervous being around her and being so high up.

"Jax?"

...

She leaned forward, really close, watching his eyes widen and the way he seemed to move back into his seat, hearing the way he quietly gasped at the sudden closeness. He watched, then, as he stared at her, before color filled his cheeks as he dried swallowed.

His eyes flicked down; once; singularly; to her lips, before staring in her eyes again and slightly away. It was all in fraction of a second, but... She had noticed it.

"Yeah?" ,,, he eventually asked; feeling her breath on his face.

"I — oh shit."

The Ferris Wheel started moving.

Pomni exhaled deeply, sinking into her seat and relaxing.

"How looong was that?" She complained, throwing her hands up and pretending like nothing happened, as she folded her arms and sighed. Her face was still red. 

Jax touched his temple; completely frazzled but trying to keep calm.

"Uh. The lights were like five minutes so. Uh. Like. Uh. "

"40 minutes."

", uh. Yeah." He replied, clearing his throat.

Chapter Text

"sooo...."

"That was awful." Jax complained, as they both slipped into the car, he exhaled, before looking over to his Jester, who was sitting oh so politely in the passenger seat. She stared ahead, three plushies in hand, and Jax started the car.

"Yeah." She said, looking down and staring at her children. Although the thought of placing all these cute plushies on *Jax's* bare bed brought her joy. She wondered how she could possibly even sleep or be near Jax tonight— not for the fact she had grown suspicious of Jax's feelings, but...

Maybe.

MAYBE — JUST MAYBE.

Her own.

It was an odd sort of feeling; she had always sort of started from any romantic interests in pursuit of her own happiness; regarding the circus. It was almost like... Dating your coworker. You just, didn't do it. Not that she didn't find Gangle and Zooble cute together — but. She fidgeted her hands.

She had liked Ragatha, for all she was worth. Her time in the circus was nice with her; and eventually they had spent time talking and discussing things together, even planning to hypothetically make trips once they escaped. And now, that they had... She had been kind of avoiding her... And she missed her.

Jax sat there, still staring at her silently. He has taken notice she had been acting weird at some point, but when he tried to ask, she wouldn't tell. His stomach tightened at the thought that he had done something wrong, only to relax some once she looked over and smiled at him.

"Are you going to drive or stare at me?" She teased him, causing him to roll his eyes and look forward.

"I just think you're being weird. Well. Weirder than usual."

Pomni didn't answer his banter; which just worried him a bit more.

"... Maybe you should go to Ragatha." He finally said, slowly, looking away.

"How come?" Asked Pomni, blinking slowly at him suddenly as he started the car.

Jax hesitated, then started driving.

"She looked sad." He mumbled, almost begrudgingly. "She gets this dumb look in her eyes and — yeah. ... As much as I like having you around, Pomni, — shut up— you two were closer to Kinger than I was. You two ... Get it." He said, as streetlights illuminated the cab as they drove in long passes, before darkening the cabin and repeating. The flickering lluminated Jax perfectly, like a good movie lighting. She focused on her his face as he spoke. "And she... She has an actual room for you... I just think, maybe, that's what's best for you right now... And it isn't me." Jax said, before looking over once, looking her in the eyes. "You're good for me, but I'm not good for you right now. You're avoiding everything, and I can't help you. I think I'm just... Making that part of you worse."

Pomni didn't say anything, because... For someone who was supposably """emotionally unstable""", he was pretty good at accessing situations. And, .... Consequently, calling her out.

And... Jax was right. She was just avoiding the inevitable truth of her feelings and grief and using him as a distraction from everything. And, at a time, it was good for her, now it wasn't... And Jax unfortunately indulged her too much to make her happy. He couldn't comfort her in the way she needed.

"What about you?..." She whispered.

Jax looked forward.

"I'll be okay now. ... I just want you to be too. I think you helped me... You need to help yourself now. I'm just telling you, as your friend. Obviously, I can't actually speak for you in your decisions... If you stay, you know I'll let you.. But..."

Pomni's gaze softened as she stared at him.
He had grown as a person around her; certainly. And, in one sense, she was so happy... She was so sad.

"You're a good person." She decided, letting her gaze onto the road.

...

———

The decision was final in the morning; she awoke to an empty bed, — besides all the stuff animals on the bed that would keep Jax company while she left.

She stood up and pushed herself up and out of the bedroom, to a living room overflowing with sunlight. She was glad that in a way, Jax had gone from despising the sun, to inviting it into his house with open arms.

Surely there was a metaphor there.

The idea of leaving the poor rabbit alone by himself made Pomni quite sad, as she stared at now bare poster walls and a much more lively house; she found herself listening to soft music coming from the kitchen and the smell of food.

...

Howa could she leave him be?

He was already dressed, in a hoodie and some jeans, but she had noted the way he didn't look too happy as he played the food; a complicated expression on his face. And, while most would think this bad, It was more than a good thing. It just meant he was getting comfortable not smiling as much.

She sat on the barstool, waiting for him to notice her. Once he did, his face relaxed completely; a ghost of a smile on his face as he happily served her breakfast.

"Thanks." She said.

Jax nodded, prepping his own plate of bacon and eggs, before turning off the pan of the stove and sitting next to her at the kitchen Island.

"You... Uh, thought about what I said?" He asked, not trying to brush it aside.

She nodded, slowly, before nodding again. "Yeah. .. I uh... I think I'll call her and see if she'll let me stay." Pomni said, staring at her hands for a moment, before looking at Jax.

He had another complicated expression on his face... As if it was what he was expecting, but not what he wanted to hear. Still, he nodded, before eating his food quietly, staring out the window.

She hated how sad he looked.

"You can still come over." She reminded Jax, who sighed and momentarily pushed his own plate away.

"Let's just say me and Rags don'tuhh... Exactly get a long with each other."

"I know that." Pomni said, flatly, before rolling her eyes. "But it's not like it'll hurt you to try and be her friend again now that we're all out. That counts for everyone, not just me."

He sighed, closing his eyes, as he was scolded. "I know, I know..."

"We're *all* here for you, Jax." She said whilst elbowing him. This made him open his eyes again to look at her longingly, before he looked back outside.

He had just got used to cooking for two.

———

A day later, Pomni arrived at Ragatha's house, Jax standing behind her, holding her little bag full of the very little belongings she had left and a box of her clothes.

It was morning, and Pomni could still here the soft sounds of birds tweeting.. their tweets echoing at the large country expanses. If was calming... Maybe, Jax was right. Maybe she could learn to find her peace.

Finally, after a few minutes, Ragatha opened the door, her blue eyes sparkling as she saw Pomni. She reached over and squeezed her shoulder immediately; remembering Pomni didn't exactly enjoy physical touch, although at least she could do it briefly with no complaints, she thought!

"Hi Pomni, I'm so glad you're here." Ragatha said, clasping her hands. And, unlike previously, she regarded Jax with a kind smile. "Thanks for helping, it's nice to see you."

He mumbled some greeting of something and the other, and settled Pomni's belongings by the door, along with a stuffed frog plush, sitting on a box.

...

Pomni turned to Ragatha, explaining how she'd be a moment to walk Jax out to his car.

"It'll be a second, I just want to talk to him about some things... And then I'll come in." She promised, holding Ragatha's arm softly for a moment. The doll gave a curt nod, before smiling... "Good luck."

Pomni exited the front steps, down the stairs to Jax, who had already started to open the car door.

"Jax, Wait a second!" Pomni called, before meeting him at his side.

Naturally, he obeyed, Pausing and turning to his Jester.

She took his hands resolutely.

"Jax." She said.

He blinked in confusion, before tilting his head, much akin to a curious rabbit. "What? You'd forget something?" He asked, before staring at their hands.

Pomni shrugged some, before looking up at him.

"I just wanted to say Thank you for letting me stay at your place.... And maybe, I'll come back. If you need me — anytime, any day, text me." She told him, solemnly. He nodded, his gaze obviously saddening as he stared at her, now.

"I will." He promised, softly, like a whisper.

"Don't look so sad. I promise I'll see you soon."

"Call me, yeah? I like having stupid talks with you."

"I will."

Pomni hugged him, finding her head on his chest. She then pulled away, and the poor rabbit pulled away too, before sighing and getting into his car.

Although, this time, Pomni leaned into the driver's seat once he sat, staring at him from this position, causing to Jax to look over in confusion.

"Remember, no smoking. It's Gross." She ordered, before leaning forward and pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Bye, Mitch."

She then closed the car door, watching him freeze as his face turned a miriad of colors; before Pomni hurried up the steps to Ragatha's house, slipping in and giggling mischievously to herself.

Chapter Text

Rahatha walked through the house, Leading Pomni through. The two of them passed through the living room, and Pomni stood to stare at the couch of the living room for a moment where Jax stood a few days ago, broken and defeated.

She turned her gaze to Ragatha, who was standing gracefully by the stairs, waiting for Pomni with a gentle smile.

"..I can tell you care a lot about him." She stated, which Pomni blinked and looked over, before giving a slow nod towards her. "We got really close afterwards... He's going through a lot. I hated leaving him alone." She said, before walking with her bags with Ragatha up the stairs. The railings were wooden, and it was obviously this house had been made with intent rather than a cookie cutter house.

"Well, no offense, Pomni, but you haven't been worrying about yourself at all."

Pomni was half tempted to call her a hypocrite, but she just sighed while shaking her head as the ascended. Ragatha pointed to the bedroom to the end of the ballister.

"That's my room, so if you ever need anything, just let me know!" She hummed, before opening the door to Pomni's bedroom.

The two stepped in, and Pomni crouched to place her stuff down. For the most part, it was bare, other than the dresser and the soft blue bedding on the queen size bed. It looked comfortable, at least. Pomni moved to set her stuffed frog on the dresser, which Ragatha noted and pointed out.

"It's cute, what's it's name, Pomni?"

"Oh, that's Ribbit." She chatted back, picking up the little frog and holding it up.

Ragatha blinked, furrowed her eyebrows, before folding her hands. She was wearing a black turtleneck today, and a pair of, respectfully, really nice fitting jeans. Pomni pushed that thought to the side as she watched Ragatha mentally debate something quietly.

"Uhm. Did you name him that or?.." she asked. Pomni didn't understand why she had such a strange look on her face. "Me and Jax did, together, Why?" She inquired, while simultaneously shaking her head in confusion. She placed the frog down.

Ragatha looked up to the sky, some curls falling into her face as she breathed in deeply. It only confirmed her growing suspicions that Jax had been secretly devastated about Ribbit all those years ago... And it had changed him.

"Do you remember; the other two people who abstracted before your arrival?... Ribbit was the name of the —"

"— No... He didn't —" Pomni said, her voice filled with deep, deep, sadness as she stared at the frog. She frowned, before silently moving to hug the frog to her chest for a moment. What had been just an innocent act to her had been an act of memorial for Jax.

How hard did he grieve for him?

She squeezed the frog, before setting it slowly on the dresser again. It's beady black eyes almost looked sad to her now, before she finally looked over to Ragatha, who had the same sort of sad look on her face as they both came to the same realization. Jax was probably deeply, deeply, sad, about so, so, many things.

Pomni was almost pissed that no one has seen through his acts. To her, it wasn't hard to. But.

...

"I'm sorry, Pomni— I didn't mean to make you upset—"

"I'm fine." Pomni promised, holding up her hands, before walking to the blue curtains and opening them. Outside the window was rolling fields of land and forests. It was beautiful. Pomni was sort of hopeful that one day she could walk around.

"I guess blue's your favorite color?" She asked, referring to the reoccurring pattern.

"Yeah, it is." Ragatha beamed, walking over and standing next to her. She watched Pomni's eyes as she gazed outside. They were so large, warm, and inviting. Pomni was beautiful. Ragatha noticed that despite her smaller stature. She held muscle to her arms, had wide shoulders, and toned thighs. Respectfully. She also had a cute nose. "If you want, I can give you like uhm, —" she lifted her hands and gave little jazz hands - " — a little tour!!"

"You should pretend I'm a client." Pomni joked, the corner of her soft lips curling to a smile. Ragatha gave a little smile and a chuckle.

"Yeah, maybe I should... I hope we have fun while you're here. I haven't had really anyone to talk to yet about everything..." She said, looking back outside.

"It's really pretty here." Said pomni.

"Oh, Pomni, I didn't ask you? What's *your* favorite color."

She shrugged and sighed. "I could never decide between red and blue... Maybe red?" She said, while scrunching her nose in thought. "I think red."

"D'you ever notice how all of our favorite colors are on the clothes we wear?"

"What about Zooble?" Said Pomni, thoughtfully.

"I think since they're a tattoo artist, all of them! And Gangles must be red. I'll have to ask to confirm." Ragatha said, before clasping her hands suddenly and gesturing to the bed with her left hand. "I know you might be tired..."

Pomni just took a seat on the bed, still intent on discussing things, which Ragatha didn't seem to mind as she sat next to her on the bed.

"Thank you, seriously... I'll try and, and, get a .. job or go to school or something so I'm not just.... In your house for free."

Ragatha shrugged, before tilting her head and smiling. She stared at Pomni; once again entranced at just how pretty she was. The two of them had been awfully close while trapped, so she didn't understand why the Jester thought herself so much of a burden to her.

"Pomni... You freed us. All of us. You ... Know I'd give you anything, right? If it wasn't for you and Kinger, I don't know what'd we would of done... I can take care of you. I'm more than happy to have you around, if we can just keep being the friends we were before. You can just rest." Ragatha promised, before Pomni looked over, with wide eyes and her lips pressed together. ,,, she didn't really like how much that made her heartbeat quicken.

She cleared her throat awkwardly.

"Um." She said, smartly.

Ragatha just patted her back once, before standing up and brushing herself off with a smile.

"So, tomorrow, I have a big day planned for us! We'll have breakfast, then I'll show you the land, then I can show you two of my horses that are still around. They're, really old now, but I'm glad they're okay. — Then, if you want, we can catch up on some of those shows you were talking about in the circus!"

"Soundsss like a plan." Pomni said, lowering her gaze and giving a sweet smile.

As Ragatha exited, she looked once at the frog.

"Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. The bedroom has a bath and shower too, that's all yours too. If you need anything, and I mean *anything* please just wake me up!" She said, before Pomni gave a thumbs up.

The doll softly closed the door behind her as she exited, leaving Pomni alone.

...

Pomni kicked her feet idly on the bed at first, as she stared at her dirty converse.

The dreaded question:

Now what?

Chapter Text

Ragatha was surprised, early in the morning, once her phone rang. She squinted, tapping it a couple times, before holding an old flip phone to her face in confusion. It was, ungodly early....

...

After seeing Pomni's briefly, she had definitely needed to get a new one. Regardless, this still was unprecedented, as the name on the phone said "Jax."

She sat up in her bed; her wild curls spilling into her face as she stared in confusion, before clicking accept and holding it to her ear.

"Jax?... It's like 5am, what's up?" She inquired, moving to rub her face with her palm. She didn't seem to question why she needed, but rather, how.

There was a slight hesitation to the phone, hearing Ragatha's voice.

He cleared his throat, before finally speaking, on the other side, in his empty than usual house.

"D'you got a second?"

———

Ragatha placed a plate of food on the dining table, setting it for Pomni and her while her mind was oh so preoccupied by the call she had received this morning. She could Tell Jax had missed Pomni, but for him to call her gave her a bit of concern if he'd be okay on his own.

She poured two glasses of orange juice, and if on que, she heard a yawn over from the stairwell. Pomni drifted downstairs and gave a sleepy smile, dressed in pajamas. Unbeknownst to Ragatha, it was Jax's old shirts he had lent her.

"Good morning Pomni! You look so well rested." She laughed, while pulling out a seat for her. Pomni nodded in agreement and sleepily; a small smile on her lips.

"The hot water here is soooo nice... And the bed is so soft ..." A woman's touch...

Ragatha seemed to enjoy the fact that Pomni seemed so relaxed here, as she took a seat. Ragatha sat next to her across the table and folded her hands, debating to delegate the information of Jax calling her this morning.

The content of this call was obvious; he was reaching out for company in the disguise of relaying information to Ragatha in ways that would let Pomni get better. It was quite sweet, in fact, how much information he had taken note of Pomni in the days they had shared that maybe the jester herself had not taken notice of, for instance, that Pomni always slept in; Pomni always seemed to be more active at night, Pomni got quiet whenever she got upset; Pomni never ate he had noticed unless she was offered food... Pomni wanted to go to film school, Pomni didn't talk about the Circus at all; and Pomni hated talking about how she was feeling.

All of this information was entrusted into her good hands; as a way, Ragatha supposed, to say "please take care of my friend." Although never directly said.

Ragatha knew that he cared deeply for her, and at one time, she might of been on the receiving side of that care, but. ... She messed up. She had learned now, through everything, how bad she messed up.

She just wished one day Jax could forgive her the same way she forgived her.

"Are you okay?" Pomni asked, suddenly, tilting her head like a good natured puppy. It surprised Ragatha that she had been, put frankly, so noticed by her slightly intense mindset so easily. Maybe it was from being human, of maybe it was because Pomni was so observant. Ragatha just nodded with a smile.

"Just thinking about a lot of things." She replied, staring at the pretty Jester as she nodded, continuing to be blissfully unaware about his cared she was about. So many people cared about her, and she simply did not know.

And if she did, would she reciprocate? Would she care? Would she hide herself? And would she ever find herself worthy?

The Jester certainly didn't know. She just wanted to live.

Suddenly, Pomni asked something out of the blue, making Ragatha get chills.

"What do you think happened to the abstracted people? Did we even look for them? How come we didn't see them while we were looking for everyone?" She said, thoughtfully. Ragatha's stomach twisted.

Only because Pomni was right.

"What if we could somehow find them and pull them out from the other side?"

Ragatha heard enough, aggressively shaking her head at her with deep concern. "That place is not our worries anymore, Pomni, we just have to keep living our lives, not reminiscing about others " she said, to be frankly.

Pomni fell into a deep silence, obviously still thinking about this. She just stared at Ragatha, who regarded her with deep, deep concern, at the way Pomni's eyes looked not so present.

"We'll hold a funeral for Kinger." She stated, slowly.

Pomni closed her eyes and nodded.

"Right." And once she opened them, they looked about right, the way she had recognized. But Ragatha had just glimpsed the side of Pomni that could not rest, until she had answers. "Anyways, I'm really excited for you to show me the farm you have... I'd love to start a garden with you like how we wanted to in the Circus."

Ragatha thought Jax said she didn't talk very often about the circus. M.. Maybe this was a good thing she was talking to her about it now?

"Oh, yes! Actually, I have a bunch of seeds I want to plant. Maybe we can do that later."

"I'm excited for it." Pomni spoke, before sipping her orange juice, peering over the glass to stare at Ragatha intensely. Ragatha's face turned a little pink from such a intense gaze. Eventually, she cleared her throat and nervously laughed.

———

...

The two walked through rolling hillside; morning dew still on tall grass. Luckily, thanks to some family, Ragatha's land wasn't completely unmanaged, as she explained as they walked.

"My mother passed while we were in the circus." She said, as the two woman walked side by side. "And since my dad wasn't around, my aunt came over sometimes and took care of the land. ... They never stopped looking for me. So, when I showed up, everyone was so confused why I had come back and looked completely the same age." Ragatha explained, slowly.

Pomni noted this as they walked, but didn't say anything, due to her inability to know how to even fathom what to say. How did you cope with the fact that your mother died while you were trapped in a digital hellscape?... You didn't, she assumed. But Ragatha seemed... Fine. Sad, yes, but not the type of sad you felt when your own flesh and blood died.

She looked over, as if sensing Pomni's confusion.

"My mother wasn't very nice to me." She explained, slowly. This made Pomni nod in understanding.

"Ah." She said. "That'd do it." She supposed.

They stopped at an empty horse stable; before Ragatha pointed into the distance to to old horses, grazing in the field in the distance.

"That's Tom, that's Jerry."

"Nice names."

"Thanks." She laughed, softly. "I had more. But uh, ... I came back to empty stables... And bones." She said, shivering, causing Pomni to look down at her feet in secondhand sadness.

Suddenly, she turned on her heels and grabbed Ragatha firmly by the wrists.

...

"You're a good person."
"What--HUH?-"
"You're a good person." Pomni said, firmly. She took a deep breath and looked away, before looking back at her.

Ragatha looked somewhere between really confused and like she was about to burst into tears.

"I'm sorry you lost so many people close to you, Elizabeth. I'm sorry you lost your friends, your horses, and your mom. And. I'm sorry. For everything." Pomni said, staring at her. The poor doll blinked away some tears, shaking her head furiously, before laughing tearfully.

"Pomni?..." She tried asking, at her sudden brashness.

Pomni stared up at her.

"I'm sorry... You're a good person... And you need to let yourself be sad. Because, this. All of this... It isn't. ... It isn't good. I'm sorry... I'm so sorry." She whispered; unable to understand how Ragatha was keeping herself together like this.

Kaufmao,
Queenie,
Kinger,
Ribbit,
Her mother;
Her Horses.

"It's a miracle you're here with us. I'm so glad you are." Pomni said, sweetly.

And finally, finally, the doll suddenly dropped to her knees, and Pomni dropped with her, bringing her into her strong arms and resting her head on Ragatha's shoulder, as she listened to her let out a heart wrenching sob into the chilly morning air.

It was always the sweetest who melted first.

Chapter Text

Pomni sat in her room, alone.

It was dark outside, but she couldn't sleep. She wore a red shirt, and a pair of ripped jeans that brought her comfort... The same ones she wore when she left the circus.

All things considered maybe Pomni shouldn't of made Ragatha down for the count like that. As much as she had wanted poor Ragatha to deal with all that she had gone through accordingly... Now she sat here, in this empty room, with nothing but her own thoughts to entertain herself...  

nothing but the sound of haunting crickets filling her mind and consuming her alive. she was tired, so tired. But, she could not rest.
She wished she could say they were pleasant ones, as she stood up and stared by the window, her gaze on distant horizon as she watched the sun set. 
She could not rest. 

Exit.
That urge was still there, haunting her narrative. Every door, every conversation she said. In her mind, there, waiting.

It had already been three days since she arrived at this place, and while she had been mostly alone, she occasionally checked on Ragatha, who had been understandably grieving finally now that she could do so without the worry of abstraction. Maybe that's why Ragatha had done it -- "it" being the fact she never mourned for too long. Maybe it was her own act of survival in order to stay around. Because, as Jax said, what was the alternative? 

They all had to do things to survive. Breifly, Pomni wondered what her action she took in order to stay functional.
How close had she been, the entire time, to her own break. One bad mistake was all it took.
Why was there a program made, just to make the worse versions of themselves?
Was she spiraling?

Did they even consider what abstraction was?
What if all of this was a sick game. Why was there no answers to any of her questions.

After some deep consideration, she touched the cold window ceil, staring down at her own hands. 

She wrung her fingers for a moment as she stared at her fingers the way they moves, was human in nature; a looming sense of dread hanging on her shoulders. A feeling she more often than not tried to ignore; even back then. The best way she could describe it was an ever sense of dread and loom; Like guilt for crimes she did not commit. Shame, for nothing she did. Like the happiness she felt at given moment was just a concept to her, rather than a tangible feeling. Sometimes, she felt alive, but it was never pure joy. There was no avail to the way she craved answers.

In front of her was a fake sunlight.

She wished she could retain that sort of joy she had felt once or twice in her life, but she knew truly and utterly, it would not stay.
At least, not anymore. 
Not anytime soon.

Pomni closed her eyes and sighed; a deep sigh, letting her head fall back onto her shoulder's... Her mind plaguing her own thoughts, mixing with the room. She stared at the corner; before closing her eyes as she looked back to her hands. Sometimes, she swore she could see swirling visions of eyes in the corner, haunting her movements, like the eyes of the people left behind in that hell. A hell that was unfathomable to her and four other people.

...

Sometimes, if she stayed in one spot for too long, she still felt like she was still in the circus, and this was all some sick dream, or maybe just all made up with her mind. She knew it wasn't true, but a part of her mind whispered those sort of thoughts at her. How could she tell for certain? It kept her awake at night. it *had* been keeping her up at night. And now, alone, despite not really... Pomni could only think about the circus. Like the office building called her like, some sort of sick fucking siren; calling sailors into it's dark sea.  

All she could think about was the people left behind. She had so many questions, and yet, she had no answers . And no one, NO ONE, seemed to care anymore. No one seemed to question of years they spent ther, or even why, and the investigating spirit in pomni could not rest. Her life was a Rhetoric. 

And, she would not rest; because she refused to believe Kinger was dead, not really. Maybe, if she could return, she could save everyone. Maybe then, she'd be able to rest. 

Pomni looked down to her feet. Maybe she wasn't meant to rest. Maybe when she was dead. The others could, but she didn't deserve to keep living on while others suffered. And although she loved her friends, truly, she knew none of them could understand her, not like this. That, and no one would ever understand her intentions. She could sit here and explain everything, maybe over and over again, but no one would believe her.
...

She knew what she had to do.
And no one was going to like it.
Not even her.
But she knew:

She had to go back.

Back into hell, with eyes open.

Pomni ran a hand through her hair, her gaze suddenly hardening, with adrenaline settling into her throat as she reached the conclusion she needed before she picked up her old backpack, the same one she took on her adventure there many years ago; before filling it up with the same belongings. She needed answers, and no one was going to stop her finding out what she needed to know, and if anyone thought they could, they'd be stupid. 

Now, with renewed vigor, she knew how to make herself at ease truly. If she couldn't save them all, she'd at least make sure they were found. Then she could rest, she promised her wounded spirit. Then, she could rest, and maybe let herself love everyone as much as they loved her.

She hummed a soft tune to herself as she threw her bag over her shoulder, as a way to ease her troubled mind - In her last moment of clarity, she sent a text to her dearest friend, something that had been on her mind for a while- while still humming that soft tune -- something Jax would play in the car whenever they cruised through the city, as she descended the steps quickly and quietly.

If she was spotted, surely she'd be found out and stopped. She knew it.
If she stopped herself, she knew she would never go. She knew it. 

Breathe out, so I can breathe you in... 
Or, something like that. 

The music had grown on her.

She slipped out the front door, not before pausing as she looked around the house.

"Sorry, Elizabeth." She whispered. "I'll be back soon,"
The door closed, and an empty silence settled over the house once again.


As she stepped out into the chilly night, she shivered, realizing she left her jacket. But, she knew if she turned around now, she would never gain the restless courage now to step out and investigate ever again. Because, the real truth was, Pomni was terrified.

She began her long journey down winding roads, making the time to stop and stare at endless night sky now and then as a shooting star would stream past ahead, reminding her to keep making wishes. 

---

Ding Ring Ri-ng!~
Ding Ring Ri-ng!~
*Buzz*

Ding Ring Ri-ng!~
Ding Ring Ri-ng!~
*Buzz, Buzz*

Ding Ring Ri-ng!~
Ding Ring Ri-ng!~
*Buzz*

Ding Ring Ri-ng!~
Ding Ring Ri-ng!~
*Buzz, Buzz*

...

Ragatha wiped her eyes; hearing a distant phone ring for the last thirty or minutes or so. Finally getting oyt of her stupor, she sniffed as she wiped her puffy face. Slowly, she slid out of the bed, concerned onto why Pomni wouldn't answer her phone. Then, finally, it stopped, just as Ragatha squinted. 

...

Her own phone rang, suddenly, making her jump nearly out of her skin. She sniffed, before squinting and blinking her bleary and sore eyes. Jax..? Again?
How long had it been since she talked to him... She sniffed and clicked it to her ear.

"uhm....hello?..."

"FINALLY - God- I've been trying to get ahold of anyone for like, fucking hours?! You can't look at your phone??? I was fucking worried"

"Jeez Jax, -- What's got you like *this?*" Spat Ragatha, before she could stop herself. She heard the growl in his voice, before he took a deep breath.

"Can you just-- Look on Pomni, real quick? Before I drive over there myself???"

"Pomni?... Why?"

...

"She texted me that... that... she loved me, and hadn't answered back. It's just -- weird. It felt weird. I just -- can you check on her? Something -........... Elizabeth, I just,.. It was nice.. but it didn't feel right."  He heard him mumble slowly. She blinked several times, before practically jumping out of bed. She didn't even remember the last time the two of them had exchanged words. She knocked twice on her door, only to find it ajar. Ragatha could of gagged at the deep pit in her stomach. on the line in her hand, she heard nothing, like he waited in patience.

"Jax."

"Yes????"

"...She's not here."

Silence; a dangerous kind, came from the line and the other side of the phone. It seemed to stretch for eternity. Then, distantly, on the phone, she heard Jax crash out;

"FUCK."

Chapter Text

Ragatha opened the door; finding Jax already marching up the steps.

"I hate you." 

Good to see you too, Jax.

Ragatha could only dry swallow, at how quick he moved, despite a limp to his leg. He immediately "ran up" on her, having her between the doorframe and the door. He pointed at her chest, and she could see that he was absolutely seething; this close to him. Narrowed eyes, tussled hair, clutched jaw. He grabbed her by the collar. 

"I hate you. Every fucking fiber of your pretty red hair, I fucking hate you. I loath you." He said, even slower this time.

"Jax I didn't know —"

Judging by his appearance, he had rushed to get over here. And by his rapid breathing he —... Actually wasn't angry at all, was he? Pomni had made that clear, that more often than not his anger was misguided fear. 

By how quickly Jax had arrived, he had sped through every single red light and stop sign or he had already been on his way to meet Pomni.

"How couldn't of you known?! Where is she??!" He snapped, finally letting go and pushing past her inside. He looked around, realizing he was completely lost at how much bigger this house was than it. "YOU HAD ONE JOB. I CALLED YOU, WITH ONE JOB."

Ragatha shut the door behind her, and the house was engulfed into darkness. 

"She just, left! She took half of everything she owned too." Ragatha said, leading him up the steps, hearing his ragged breathing only suffer through a flight of stairs, which he pushed through and opened the first door he saw. 

This happened to be Ragatha's room, which he briefly noted looked like a very similar depression hole to his own right now, before opening the next door in the hallway. 

This room must of been the one Ragatha had ket Pomni stood in, he gave pause seeing practically nothing but a little frog sitting on the bed, staring back at her... And a green jacket, unoccupied. 

"But it's cold out." Ragatha heard him mumble immediately; and she couldn't help but to realize how much he had grown to care for her. She looked away; apparently the subject for hate rather than love. ...

You know what? No, she wasn't. If there was anything Pomni had made her realize, it was how *fake* Jax really was. He cared, deeply, for every single one of them. Even her. 

She grabbed him by the shoulder, much to his surprise and confusion, as he squinted at her in response, baring a stupid fake smile. 

Ragatha firmly pointed at him. 

"We're going to find her. And no, You don't hate me. You don't hate anyone at all. So you better get used to me being around, mister." She said, firmly. Jax only blinked at her. It kinda had taken him enough off guard enough for her to leave him standing there as she retrieved the two items on the bed. "And it wasn't my fault. Pomni's a grown woman that we can't control. And apparently even she makes rash and dumb decisions. She's not a perfect person, just like me. Just like you. So, stop blaming me and let's go get her."

She placed both of the items in his arms, causing him to take a step back at the frog in his arms. ...

She knew. 

"Before she does something stupid?"

Throughly shut up, and with a glare knowing she knew the frogs name was, he only stared at her silently. 

"C'mon, we're taking my truck."

Jax slipped on the jacket over his arms, following her lead as they both hurried downstairs with renewed energy and the mutual understanding that they both really cared for their really, really, brash Jester. Jax would also hate to admit this, but seeing Ragatha in a light where she was so genuine was very refreshing. He liked her a lot better whenever she was like this then what she was at the Circus. 

The two of them clambered in. 

"I have no idea where she could be." Ragatha said, genuinely. "I didn't know she was even planning to leave. She left her phone too!" She cursed, causing Jax to rub his face. 

Maybe she should of let her stay after all. Ragatha took notice of this, before reaching over and squeezing his shoulder. 

"We'll find her, together. It's going to be okay."

And once she spoke again, she found the softness of his voice surprising..  and familiar. 

"...okay."

———

The two of them searched the winding roads first; and as Jax leaned out of the passenger seat, calling Pomni's name, he only saw dense forests and those haunting crickets. 

"How couldn't you of noticed she was doing something stupid?"

"I was grieving; my mom's dead." She said, flatly, clutching the wheel to her large truck. She looked rather pissed off. Jax, understandably, grimaced at this. "I've been crying for three days straight."

... Fair point. 

He looked at her, for a while, before looking away. His eyebrows sharp in concentration. 

"Sorry. ... I know you didn't like her." He spoke, remembering their late night conversations many nights ago in the circus. Back then, when they were closer... When they had been real friends. When Jax was not only Naive, but had trusted her the same way she had trusted Pomni. Except for Pomni, he'd take a bullet for. Now Ragatha, he couldn't even look her in the eyes anymore. But this version of Ragatha reminded him more and more of the friend he lost back at the circus rather than what she had turned into. 

"It's okay. I'm just. ... I'm just really worried about pomni." She confessed, before rolling her window down and calling too. 

———

The two had searched for the last several hours, up and down roads, going as far as into the city again in an attempt to find the jester. 

The two of them had finally settled at Jax's house in the late afternoon; both exhausted and needing a moment to eat and rest after looking so throughly. 

Jax had half hoped, as he pushed open the door, that Pomni would be standing there, waiting for him as he opened the door. Yet, as he did so, she wasn't there. 

He sighed, heavily, defeated, as he leaned against the door frame, before pulling out his phone and staring at the text he had received from Pomni. 

Was it a cry for help or did she mean that?...

Seeing Jax utterly defeated, Ragatha moved to stand next to him, before glancing at Jax staring at his phone. 

...

She sighed, quietly, before rubbing her arms slightly, as she entered Jax's house. ...

...

"I like her too, by the way." Ragatha confessed, softly, causing Jax to look up in confusion. 

"Like what?" He asked, looking at her and furrowing a brow slowly. 

"Like how you like her. Like no one quite understood me better than her. ...'"Ragatha confessed. ... Jax didn't say anything at first, before closing his phone, his face a bit red, before brushing her aside. 

"Don't —... Don't try and sit here and try and get close to me after everything you've said and done." He said slowly to her, putting some distance between her and Ragatha, as he stood in the kitchen. He stared at her. Illuminated by the sunlight pouring through the windows. He hated how pretty she looked standing there, looking at him with bright blue eyes and an annoyed expression. 

"You know... I don't want to hate you." She said, leaning on the counter, forward, still closing off any distance between them... Both figuratively and literally. "But you want to hate me."

"It's hard not to." Replied Jax; flatly, sneering at her. He took a couple steps forward. 

"It isn't my fault he abstracted, Jax. You know this."

"You're certainly part of the reason."

"And so were you. Don't pretend that you didn't mess up just as bad as I did." Ragatha said, staring at him through long lashes. Jax glared at her, before walking over and slamming a hand on the counter. 

"I didn't sit here and lie to him. — just shut up. — I don't need this right now. I don't need *you.* Right now. We just need to find Pomni, and we can just go back to never speaking again, just the way I like it." He said, sneering at her face, suddenly leaning down right in front of her. Here, they were face to face, here, she watched her eyes dilate on him.

"...I notice you always say the thing opposite to what you really mean." She whispered, sneering right back at him. 

...

"Stop that." He ordered, quietly, moving to pull away while shaking his head. "You can't do this to me, not while Pomni's out there doing god knows what. ... Don't do this to me." He mumbled, his face hot. 

...

"Do you love her?.." Ragatha asked. ...

He nodded. 

"I love her too." She said, genuinely. 

She stood up straight, walking over to his side, finally closing anymore distance between them. He couldn't look at her, not like this. 

"Do you think she loves you?" She asked. No answer, so she only repeated the question. "Jax."

"I think so."

She nodded, placing a hand on his cheek, once, causing his eyes to widen, he moved her down, at once, but his face was red. 

"I think so too."

"You can't do this to me." Jax repeated, quietly, looking down at her. She was quite tall, so she was quite near his face. "You don't get to come into my life like this again. We're done, we're over. You fucked up."

"And so did you, Jax." She said, firmly. "I'm tired of pretending — about everything — are you going to sit here and say everything that we said, did, and done, was just fake?" She asked, stepping into him. 

"This isn't the time." He finally concluded, looking slowly back down at her, his eyes somewhat kidded; and Ragatha found she really just wanted to kiss him when he got soft like this... She missed this side of him. And, thanks to Pomni, she could see the best friend she lost so long ago. "I love her— I can't... You can't just come back like this." He said; referring to her true self, the one that was standing underneath him like this. He felt his back pressed to the refrigerator. 

She still stood in front of him; still confronting Jax in all that he was and is. 

"I love her too." She said; but she wasn't sure if it sounded more like a threat or a confession. How could they both love her, but still stand in a dark kitchen like this, together?... How could two things be true. 

Why did old feelings have to resurface like this...?

"We never were able to... Kiss, like we wanted." She whispered at him. 

"Rags..."

"You had promised me, that if we escaped, you'd kiss me. ..."

 He had, at a time, promised her that. He chest rose, and fell, once, before shaking his head. He couldn't do that to Pomni. Right?... He was just confused at Ragatha, who had a strange love for both of them. Could two statements coexist like that?

It wasn't the time for him to be thinking like this, staring at Ragatha's lips. All he could think about was his dear friend... But, his other dear friend finally came back from the dead, it seemed, thanks to Pomni. 

... Sophie.

He finally gently, pushed her away by the shoulder, shaking his head once, slipping away from her closeness, looking down at the floor as his shoulders dropped. 

"I don't hate you. I never did."

He turned around, once, over his shoulder. Sad  that only now, Ragatha could see through him like this... And not before. 

She stood where he had stood, staring at him,  watching his every movement carefully. Because in front of Ragatha, was a friend she had lost. 

She smiled, sweetly at the comment, before looking down and inhaling.

"I never did either." She mumbled. "I'm sorry. ... We both came the worse versions of ourselves, didn't we."

"We did."

...

Jax walked over, resolutely, and placed a singular kiss on her forehead, before turning away, leaving her alone in his kitchen, where she blinked, and turned her gaze to the kitchen window, that had started to make the kitchen glow a soft pink from the setting sun outside. 

Between him and Pomni, she had just started to feel loved for the first time in a long time. 

Chapter Text

The dynamic in a nutshell:

Chapter Text

They agreed to only sleep for half an hour each; before resuming their journey in search of their missing friends. Except this time, Jax couldn't even look at her. Which... She was supposed was a lot better than him telling her how much he hated and despised her.

They gathered their belongings, and Jax grabbed them both snacks, and the moral support Ribbit the frog, before setting in the car.

Jax stole wasn't really looking at her, but he offered to drive.

---

"I don't know where she could of gone." Ragatha said, three more hours into driving into the city. Jax looked beyond his wits end at the point.

"She doesn't have anywherec *to* go. It's cold, and she doesn't have her jacket. Are you sure she didn't run to Gangles or Zooble's?"

"How would she even know where they were? -- but yeah, I called and texted them. Neither of them have seen her. They've offered to help look though."

Jax nodded his approval about having more hands on deck to look for his totally not girlfriend. All he had to do was find her. He glanced to the frog, before sneering and turning.

"... Jax," Ragatha said, slowly, pointing slowly to the frog.

He looked over, quite confused why she was pointing at the stuffed animal in her lap in such a concerned manor. ...
"A couple days ago; when Pomni had came over and was eating breakfast, she ... She mentioned wondering about if you could find the abstracted bodies and pull them through to the other side, back to reality."

Jax's eyes widened in horror at these words.

"No."

"She might of tried to go b—" Jax turned hard left on an the steering wheel, pulling a sudden and intense u-turn in the road. Ragatha could hear her Axel click in distress, before he stepped on the gas.

"JAX—!!!" Ragatha said and cursed, holding onto life as the flew through backroads at top speed. She was anxious they'd get pulled over.

"I FEEL LIKE YOU COULD OF SAID THAT EARLIER ELIZABETH." Said Jax, gritting his teeth.

"I'm sorry—!! I just now remembered!!— STOP RUNNING RED LIGHTS—" She told Jax, who just ignored her, before they went over a small hill; the truck felt like it was floating for a second, before they landed with a thud. Only then did he slow down.

She watched as he anxiously tapped his fingers behind a steering wheel as they drove at not so dangerous speeds.
"What if she — puts it back on— why would she go back?!" He said while sighing in irritation . "Is she dumb??? No, she isn't, but she's acting like it! I thought she was smarter than that-"

Ragatha wrung her hands, before begrudgingly telling Jax: "floor it."

And he did, again.

———

..
...

Pomni illuminated the dark hallway with her flashlight, dust hanging thick in the air. She was reminded of a time when she had entered this building for fun, and was trapped.

She found that now, her heart was beating in her throat as she slowly walked down the highway. She wasn't sure why she told herself to come back here; it was terrifying.

The dim and flickering lights of the hallway reminded her there was still electricity, as she stared at the years of water damage and everything between. Mold, dust, debris
.... The usual.

She was on a mission, however, to find the bodies of the people who had abstracted before her. Out of everyone, she didn't understand how she had gotten so lucky to be the one who made it out. Pomni moved, slowly, giving pause and shivering.

She swore she just heard a distant door just open and close... This place really freaked her out; especially now, as she stepped into a random office room. All the office rooms looked exactly alike.... A single chair, a wooden desk, a computer from the 90's, and a filing cabinet. Now and then, however, she'd find traces of life in the offices— like a name tag, or maybe a photo of strangers she'll never know.

Like this one; the office was of someone she didn't know; but it had a photo of a man with his children on his desk. She supposed those people probably had permanent residency at their jobs... Seniors, she supposed. But, why leave everything here? Why did it look like some of these office rooms were left with the intent of coming back. Pomni stepped over a fan that had long been rusted over, before opening up a rusted filing cabinet.

As expected, any paperwork, just like the 20 or so rooms before her, were completely ruined. She couldn't scavenge any resourceful information or find anyone who might be still at their desks. Pomni rubbed her eyes, before feeling a water droplet on her head, causing her to grumble in annoyance and frantically rub it off her face, before scurrying out back into the central hallway.

...

She had theories, of course, about this place, -- as she stared at yellow wallpaper that she swore she saw faces in the water stains.

Caine and Abel seemed to be a religious take: C&A.
But with such an expensive office, she wondered if it had been a tech company back in the day. The only clues she had were very few.

Kinger; briefly mentioned 7 years of computer science.

Pomni slipped into another building. It was about the same as any other one. ... She walked over to the computer, taking a momentary seat as she stirred on a 90's computer that had not seen any use in many, many years.

It began to humm, before flickering on. Pomni noted how much this stuff gave her the creeps now— the sound of old technology. ... At least this way, it seemed the information here had been stored mostly digitally, and had not corrupted.

Caine... Was the mascot of this technology, but who'd be abel?

She clicked a couple times on files; only to be be blocked by a digital pop-up asking for a password. She sighed in annoyance, rubbing her eyes as her stomach growled at her for neglecting it for the last 24 hours.

She ignored it, and rolled back in the computer chair, grimacing. She blinked, hitting a bumb. ... She looked down, finding a virtual headset by her foot. She practically jumped back, like a cat startled by something, before frantically rolling away. She stood up; before running into the hallway again.

She took a couple deep breaths, holding her chest, before feeling another drop on her cheek. She rubbed it, before feeling another.

She finally gave pause in her movements; before feeling her shoulders heave and her breath shake.

Oh.

That wasn't water; she was crying.

...?

How come she couldn't tell she had started crying? She exhaled shakily, her stomach growling again before she wiped the back of her eyes. She pushed on, ignoring everything. She needed answers or bodies.

...

Pomni reached the end of the hallway, before trying to open a door at the end, finding it was locked.

The jester furrowed her eyebrows. She remembered the lock door from before when they had been searching for Jax —

Jax.

She suddenly landed a swift kick towards the middle of the door, and it bursted out of the frame; and it fell flat into a seniors office.

The room was perfectly illuminated; pouring light on her face from bright LEDs. She stared, at a man who was slumped over his desk. He had short brown hair, and wore a khaki shirt... As she inched closer, she stopped, noticing the headset on his face, bent over the desk.

...

Blood poured out of his nose, and his mouth, dripping on the floor, at the same time as her tears.

"No—!! Nonooo no.no. please god... No.". She cried to herself, hyperventilating before running over; dread filling her body. "Nono." She ripped the headset off of his face; and an older man stared at her; his gaze far away. "Please don't be dead, please, please,"

And, much to her surprise, he gave a single, long blink, before seemingly realizing that he was staring at someone, rather than the void.

"Who?..." He weakly asked.

"Pomni. Who— who are you—?"

"...Pomni... ..." He reached up, weakly. And Pomni fell to her knees as the man in the chair did so, as he touched her face once. ... His hands were so, so, cold. ... She watched as blood dribbled off the corner of his mouth; and he smiled weakly as he tried to speak. He found, that he couldn't... Not as much as he wanted to.
"Such... A .. . Brave girl."

...That was okay.
He would be with his wife.

"Who?..." Pomni tried again.

"Kinger."

Pomni sobbed upon hearing his name, shaking her head frantically. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.

"No. No, no, no, I'm not — I won't. Was it keeping you alive—?! Kinger was the headset keeping you alive??!" She said, as she frantically tried to find it and place it on his head like the crown he wore before. He reached over, once, stopping her before it could even get close to his face.

She heard a rasp; from his lungs...

"... It was... But it's failing... That's.... okay, Pomni... Was for my wife... And, ... Now I know... It failed her too. ..." He closed his eyes, only for Pomni to aggressively shake his shoulder.

"What— what — what— WHAT— KINGER WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? WHAT DO YOU MEAN?" She begged, gently slapping his face to keep him with her. Except, there were no external wounds for Pomni to take care of.

The slaps seemed to delay the inevitable, just for a few minutes.

"The system... Keeps you alive... As long as you're not... Abstracted. It fails... If.... I know... Now..."

Pomni looked frequently around, before trying to scoop Kinger onto her shoulders, only to buckle under his weight. She couldn't seem to accept this as an answer. She'd even prefer him already dead then to the alternative of him practically rotting away at his desk.

Still, with not the right strength to heave him up, they both fell to the floor, and Pomni laid there, sobbing her eyes out, collapsing herself over his shoulder.

"It w-wasn't supposed to be y-you!" She sobbed, holding his face. "It was s- supposed to be m-me! Please... Please. Kinger... Don't do this to me..." She sobbed. "PLEASE." She screamed into his chest.

Weakly, the man just held her face with a hand.
"Brave... Brave, girl."

And it fell.

...

She screamed once, in agony, before clawing at her hair as she sobbed hysterically.

There was nothing to do but cry.

Nothing at all.

...

———

Pomni had sat there crying for what had felt like hours; wondering why. How. Or what even the point was. It took her a while to even comprehend what had happened, exactly, but the part of her brain that worked — the part of her brain that could disassociate in moments like these and took care of herself — reasoned with the broken part that: this was inevitable.

Because, as Kinger said, the headset had been keeping him alive... But it had fails as soon as someone abstracted. Which meant... The reason they didn't find anyone else, was probably because they had already rotted away.

Pomni sat by Kinger's body, blankly, wondering what the point was.

...

Coming back here was a mistake.

Or was it?

Maybe she'd get answers elsewhere.

...

Finally, she stood up, her legs weak, stepping over the man. She sat down at the chair; blood sticking to her hands as she held the headset in her hands that had been set side on the desk. She stared at the set, before turning it in her hands. Slowly, she raised it to her head and...

Took a deep breath.

And...

...

"POMNI?!"

Pomni nearly jumped out of her skin, seeing only a flash of a man who quite literally jumped over the desk and grabbed her by the shoulders, slapping the headset out of her handss.

She heard it crash against the wall, before she was suddenly pushed out of the chair, onto the floor with an "oof." She struggled and thrashed, before finally locking eyes with her assailant who had her thoroughly pinned down to the floor now.

She came face to face with a man who had a thousand things he wanted to say at once.

...

"Wh... — WHAT is WRONG WITH YOU?!"
He had decided, holding her squarely by the shoulder as well as her wrist. 

She could only stare at him, in shock.

"H.. how did you find me-?" Was all she could utter, as Jax let go of her wrist. He immediately noticed how bloodshot her eyes were, and how wet her face was. ... And how far away she looked.

...

Jax heard a gasp next to him, followed by a choked sob, and as he glanced over, spotting Ragatha, her eyes locked on the man on the floor. She looked over to Pomni and Jax, eyes wide.

"It's Kinger..." Pomni said weakly. "We... We could of saved him this entire time..." She whispered, although it wasn't true. His fate has been settled at soon as he abstracted.

Somewhere in this building we're three more bodies at minimum.

...

Pomni's bottom lip quivered, before she sobbed incoherently. This was just like losing her dad all over again; tearing open old wounds as she hiccupped and sobbed once again.

Jax sat her up and hid her into his shoulder, holding her as tightly as possible, his own breath shaking as he stared at the smashed headset against the wall. He looked at the computer, that flickered off for the last time ever. Unknowingly, he smiled, although out of a scared habit and fear, not because he was any degree amused by anything in the slightest.

...

Ragatha wa sat on the floor, crying over Kinger as well, completely and utterly dismayed. 

"We need to go." He whispered to Pomni; his voice softer than it had been ever been. He took control of the situation, only because Ragatha and Pomni couldn't. He then heaved them both up, continuing to hide Pomni from poor Kinger. He helped Ragatha up as well, not allowing either of them to look back as he closed the door behind him. Not before pocketing a small framed photo off his desk... If a woman and a man. 

...

Jax escorted everyone out, slowly and surely. 

They didn't need to be here anymore. ... Ever again.

... This place was hell; and he was pretty sure Kinger had created it.

He stopped, looking at the entrance and they all exited; Pomni and Ragatha moving slowly to the truck and not looking back— each other in their arms. 

Quietly; he backed away, and turned his back to them. 

And after some more consideration, looking back at his friends, now in the truck consoling each other, devastated and broken once again.

He looked forward, once again, and pulled a cigarette out of his pocket. He lit it; and took a long, long, drag, before pulling out the box it had came in. He lit that on fire as well, before throwing both the lit cigarette box and his cigarette into the dark hall; watching it smolder on carpet, before he walked down the steps and to the truck; not telling his friends what he did.

"G'bye kingy." 

They didn't need to ever come back here.

And those bodies deserved to rest.

Chapter Text

Ultimately, as they drove away from the building, Jax adjusted the mirror as he drove... From the review mirror, now many miles away, he saw the beginnings of whispy black smoke begin to caress the sky.

Jax slid his eyes forward slowly to the road.

Bye, Ribbit.
Bye, Kaufmo.
Bye, Queenie.
Bye, Kinger.
Bye, Caine.

...

He still didn't let his friends know what he had done; and he intended on keeping it this way.

———

They had arrived at Ragatha's house hours later, and Jax had to wonder how Pomni had managed to get there in such good times, but she seemed too down for the count to even ask about at all. He had figured Ragatha's place was any place good as any for everyone to rest... Because he was sure as hell wasn't planning to drive anymore.

She looked like she had seen hell. Again, a second time.

Jax hopped out of the truck; opening the doors for both Pomni and Ragatha, who both slipped out in a daze. Jax placed a hand on their shoulders.

Out of the two of them, Pomni was now in considerably worse shape.

Ragatha had already mourned Kinger... But ... She hadn't seen him die, not like Pomni.

...

"I'll be upstairs." Ragatha decided, quietly, after they enteted the house. Jax gave the redhead a nod, but before she could get too far, he grabbed her by the shoulder and turned her to face him, just for a moment.

"If you need anything, let me know." He said, seriously, before letting go after he had received a nod. Then, she did just that— made her way up to her room, and probably collapsed on her bed.

Jax shuffled the numb Pomni to the living room couch, before plopping her down slowly. She sniffled, once, as if in response, as she continued to stare into nothing.

...

Jax stood there for a moment, before looking around frantically. He picked up a fluffy throw blanket, and draped it around her shoulders. Ah, ice.

He walked to the kitchen, Before returning a few minutes later with a cup of ice. He knelt in front of her as she sat on the couch, but her gaze didn't follow.

"Pom, open."

She obeyed; before an icecube was placed into her mouth suddenly. She blinked once or twice, before letting her gaze fixiate on Jax, who was sitting on the ground in front of her, on his knees.

It was odd, because she hadn't remembered even getting here. She closed her eyes, sucking on the icecube. Jax mentally praised himself for paying attention to what Pomni told him, before sitting next to her.

She flopped over silently, leaning on his shoulder, and naturally he wrapped his arms around her shoulder.

...

None of them exactly thought about their actions. They just did it. Like, it came secondhand by nature...

"Gonna sleep?..." He said, and the Jester just nodded silently. Jax sat up for just a moment, before sitting Pomni up. He stood up, slowly.
Before using his brain cells for a moment. He had been half tempted to give her the shirt off his back; but thought better and realized pomni has actual clothes here.

And a real bedroom.

He stood her up.

"Up and at 'em..." He said, as he started to walk away.

Seeing the way she wasn't moving Jax gave pause in his steps before returning to her side once more. ... He then hugged her, before scooting her into his arms.

Now, he held her bridal style in his arms, before ascending upstairs to Pomni's bedroom.

Once inside, he sat her on the bed, where she sat there on the corner into space, like a doll. Jax stood in front of her; between her legs now. He blinked a couple of times.

He guessed that's what shock did.

The rabbit placed his palm on her face, before gently shaking her chin to try and get her to stay with him.

After no result, he sighed heavily, walking into the bedroom and returning with a warm, wet, cloth. He sat next to her moments later as he now diligently wiped blood and dirt off of her face. With how tender he was being, it seemed to stir Pomni back to life, just a little, as she felt warm hands on her arms and face; holding her limbs or chin as he made sure she was throughly clean...

Finally, he stood up again, digging through the nearby dresser, and pulling out a shirt he didn't loan her, but rather she stole from him, before returning to stand in front of her.

He gently held it out for her to change into.

"I can't do this for you..." He told her. "You need to change. There's blood on your shirt."

Pomni stared up at him, before gently taking the shirt out of his hands. She stared at it, before slipping off her shirt. Jax blinked, before immediately turning his head away and closing his eyes; but the image had already burned itself there to torture him later as he drifted to sleep.

He could of sworn she heard her softly chuckle.

Jax cleared his throat; questioning if she was done: "you good?"

"Mhm."

He hesitantly opened his eyes again, seeing Pomni out of dirty bloody clothes and into regular ones.

Deciding to do the same, he found one of his old shirts amongst her clothes, before deciding to get a proper shower himself... Or well, he did, but found that he didn't exactly want to leave Pomni by herself. Not until further notice.

He then placed similar revenge, by slipping off his shirt in front of her, and tossing it in the same pile. Although he lingered there for a second, only because unlike him, she kept staring at him.

Finally, he quietly slipped the shirt on, before meeting her back at her side. He pulled her into his arms, and they both flopped over silently to sleep.

Because Jax never slept; not unless a jester was in his arms.

Chapter Text

Jax had dutifully took care of Pomni for the last few days as she mourned the loss of someone she had considered a second father.

And meanwhile Ragatha had recovered only in a few days — unfortunately it was second nature for her anymore.

Jax blinked over his sleepy eyes, unsure why he had done so, until he met a pair of ever brown ones staring back at her. That'd... Probably be why.

He glanced at the window, finding that it was still quite dark out. He slid his eyes back to her, as she watched every movement he did. "You okay?..." He finally whispered quietly.

She nodded slowly.

"You were talking in your sleep."

"Sorry."

She silently reached over, placing a hand on his cheek, before closing her eyes again.

And just like the last few days, she slept it off.

———

It seemed to be a week or maybe more until Pomni finally came back around to a degree that could be considered to her old self. She sat up, rubbing her face for the first time in ages.

She tapped the spot next to her besides the bed, where Jax had been more often than not sleeping with her to keep an eye on her - to make sure she didn't do anything else stupid. She found this said spot still warm, and heard the shower running.

At least that meant he thought she was good enough to some degree to leave her alone and not do something stupid ...again.

Slowly, she stood up and rubbed her face, knowing there wasn't anything more to do about anything else except to... Move on.

That's what kinger would of wanted.

So she took the opportunity to change clothes while Jax was away and take care of herself for the first time in ages; reaching for the comb on her dresser, she began to comb her hair, only to find it free of any knots. Hm.

...

Pomni set the comb again, finding that actually, all things considered, she was immaculately taken care of, as she stared into the mirror. It then occurred to her Jax might be well versed in bedside care like this. Quietly, she closed her eyes and mentally thanked his sister for that.

Whoever she may be... Pomni could tell she had been well loved.

She heard the water come to a stop, and eventually after a few moments, Jax emerged from the bathroom, dressed with a towel on his head for his wet hair. He blinked at the standing, dressed, Pomni... And in his mouth, she noticed, was a sucker, so he wasn't smoking.

"You good?" He asked after they both silently exchanged long looks.

She nodded slowly at him.

"Um... Good as. ... Good as I can be?..." She tried, but it looked like this answer relieved him to some degree, before he walked over and ... Patted her head.

"Good."

"..Don't pet me like some dog." She complained, but still managed to give a small smile.

"You're my dog."

"Jax." She warned.

"Sorry."

He said, causing Pomni to laugh softly for the first time in a while. Jax then tapped her cheek twice without thinking... Something he did out of habit now due to from the circus.

....

Pomni realized that she had sent that stupid text before she did some stupid shit, now. And, ... Man, she really worried him, didn't she? But he never asked her for an apology, -- just looked at her with concerned eyes, like now.

"... You okay?" He asked, for a second time.

"I'm sorry." She started, shaking her head. Jax just shushed her with a finger to her lips, then his own. "Sh."

He didn't say anything for a moment, before cupping her face into his hands. "I'm just glad you're okay. You can worry about me later... Let's just get you fed." He said.

She realized at some point, Jax had been feeding her now and then, and her stomach twisted in guilt. He had been taking care of her this entire time, and he .. .

Fuck.

She really fucked up.

"Jax—" she said, standing there, still.

He stopped, before turning around slowly. He stared down at her; as she was illuminated by the window behind her. She looked up, a fire in her eyes he hadn't seen a moment.

"I'm, uh, sorry." She said, again, before bringing her hands. "The text." She added, watching his eyes narrow some onto her... Not out of anger, but remembering the dread he had felt reading it.

Oh yeah, the text.

"I— meant it."...

...
...

"Huh."

",,, I meant what it said."

"What."

"That I love you."

"What."

,,,, Pomni blinked a few times, watching him freeze practically on the spot, before his face became a dark red. He stammered a few times, .... Opened his mouth, and, stammered again.

WORK HERE BRAIN!!!

"Uh." He said, smartly.

This caused Pomni's smile to only grow a little, anxiety slipping from her shoulders as she watched the poor little bunny frazzle completely, tapping his foot, before suddenly and abruptly covering his face.

"Jax???!" She laughed quietly, closing the distance between them.

She gently took his palms off his dark red face; where he couldn't even look her in the eyes. He still had that dumb sucker in his mouth. Quietly, she took it out of his mouth, before kissing his cheek and placing the sucker into her own mouth.

Satisfied at the way his face turned 50 different expressions, she walked out of the bedroom, leaving poor Jax to stand there and stare at his hands.

Holy shit
he fumbled that big time.
So bad.

Jax covered his face again and groaned in annoyance at himself.

Chapter Text

"FIRE MARSHALS ARE USHERING THE COAST TO POTENTIALLY PREPARE FOR FIRE EVACUATIONS IN THE MIDST OF A FIRE—"

...

Jax switched off the TV, blinking to himself, staring at his reflection in the dark screen, as he was reminded of the deed he had done several days— maybe even a week — ago.

...

Oops.

He blinked at the reflection at himself again, squinting. Sometimes, if he stared hard enough, he thought he'd see the purple rabbit he had been. He supposed all those extra psychological defects from being trapped so long would catch up to him but... Not today. Nope, not today.

He turned his head as he heard chairs being pulled at the dining room, and the soft clanks of silverware, hearing Ragatha and Pomni enjoy their company together. From here, he could see Pomni, facing her friend and softly chatting about some things. Ragatha said something he couldn't quite hear, which caused her to blink, smile, and genuinely laugh.

Jax smiled to himself quietly some, only for Pomni's eyes slide over to him from the other room, causing him to blink and roll his eyes, quickly sulking away with a red face.

...

Pomni snickered quietly to herself as she watched Jax quickly fluster at the eye contact, and disappear around the corner. She grinned quietly as she looked at her hands, before looking up at Ragatha as she spoke. She seemed be rooting for both of them, despite her own feelings for Jax.

The poor guy had probably so many feelings he didn't know what to do with himself with the both of them. No wonder he was hiding now that he didn't have someone to take care of. If he walked into a room with either of them, he was mercilessly attacked by beautiful women.

What a problem he had, pomni mused to herself, as she happily drank some orange juice.

She turned back to Ragatha, who just looked really glad that Pomni was coming around again... And despite everything, Ragatha had noticed she had more of a sense of peace knowing Kinger's wereabouts.

Except, after a moment, Pomni brought up the dreaded question.

"Should we... Like, call someone?... About that place?" Pomni asked, slowly— as to not to get herself worked up.

Ragatha seemed to debate about it ... She didn't exactly enjoy the fact that there were... People, rotting in that place.

Jax finally made his entrance into the dining room, and Pomni could tell he was thinking about saying something, as he crossed his arms. Except he didn't.

Naturally, she questioned him.

"What do you think, Jax?"

"No."

Pomni blinked at his resolute motion of his voice. She glanced at Ragatha, who just raised her eyebrows.

"Just ... No? What about... Everyone in there still?" Pomni questioned. "I don't feel like we should —"

"I burnt it."

"Huh?" Said Pomni and Ragatha simultaneously, both looking at him in confusion. What'd that exactly mean?

"The building, I set it on fire." He said; Ragatha watched as the smile on his face slipped into something more cat like as he stared at them. It, honestly, was a bit scary whenever he wore that face. It made her wonder what things Jax was capable of...

Both of them looked at each other, as if it question if this was a joke or not, but watching Jax, watch them — and especially Pomni, made the jester realize he really torched the place.

"What?!" She suddenly asked, standing up. She stammered for a moment, before clutching her hands. "W-what about — the— papers— the — the?! — everything?! How are we ever supposed to get answers now?! Jax???" She said, clutching at her hair.

"You don't need answers." Said Jax in response, cat like expression still evident. "You don't need to go back. Ever."

Ragatha, meanwhile, was properly flabbergasted he had done such a thing, just asked—

"When?"

"When we left. I took the cigarette I was smoking, smoked it, and threw it and the carton right into there and poof. On fire." He said, closing his eyes and shrugging. He then smiled, slightly sinister at the idea of it burning to the ground, where it could never hurt anything again. "No one needed to get trapped there, ever again."

Pomni was still stammering and stuttering, before sitting down resolutely into her seat, defeated. He had a point, but.. How could she sleep at night not knowing the answers.

She blinked a couple times before slowly moving to drink her orange juice. Thoroughly shut up and called out.

Satisfied, Jax turned away again, only to be stopped by Ragatha.

"Hold it—! When's the last time you ate." She pointed out. He blinked, smiled that fake smile of his.

"This morning."

"I don't believe you. Infact, I haven't seen you eat the last few days. Sit."

"I—"

"Jax." Ragatha warned.

"You—"

"Mitch."

He was sat; staring at the plate of food that had been prepared for him. He stared at it. It was the usual breakfast items... Eggs. Bacon. Roast.

...

"I'm really not h—"

"Eat."

"I'm eating." He sighed heavily, moving to eat his food, although relatively disinterested in it. So about those psychological defects... Eating had slowly made that known to him. After years of eating digital food with no nutritional value; he had naturally learned he hadn't need to eat any of the fake food, and therefore ignored the social times that it forced upon.

And after Pomni left, he felt like there had no reason to cook anymore.

He took a bite of toast, looking annoyed slightly at Ragatha's annoying observations.

She looked proud of herself, with her hair bouncing in that dumb high ponytail she wore and her dumb smile on her dumb pretty lips. Dumb Ragatha and her dumb face.

Dumb.

He looked at Pomni instead, who stared at him with such an intensity he had to look down at his food again despite not wanting to eat.

...Damn.

Chapter Text

Pomni sat down on her bed, noticing the lack presence of Jax immediately.

Now that she had felt a little better, there had been no need for him to stay in her room. He had decided to sleep downstairs for the night, promising he'd leave in the morning... under the guise that he wasn't needed anymore.

Supposably, he'd return back home. Again. But... When he had said it, he wasn't looking at anyone. Maybe he was secretly trying for an invitation to stay.

But, supposably, he hated Ragatha. So how could he stay at her house if he "supposably" ""didn't like her.""

She sat on the edge, before sighing and flopping onto the bed with the smallest of sighs.

It was dark outside.

Pomni rolled onto her back for a moment; staring at the ceiling as a familiar feeling of dread and... Some feeling she really couldn't identify rested on her shoulders. If you asked her to try and identify the second feeling, she'd explain that it was like.

...

When you stared too long into a night sky. Or, too far at the horizon of the ocean... Or maybe, when you finished your favorite book, or movie, game, and there wasn't anything else to read about it. It just... Was there. Except she felt it constantly, especially in moments where she wasn't distracting herself, like now.

And it wasn't a new feeling, no. She had been feeling like this ever since she was small, and it was just her, taking care of herself. She rolled onto her stomach and inhaled; now curling up into the ball.

She had noticed, recently, that the feeling had become more prominent in her life after she left the circus.

Whatever that feeling may be, it grew deep inside her, and infested her like weeds.

Mmmannn, she wanted a glass of wine right about now.

The feeling... had been the reason she had so often than not was randomly spurred to do incredibly spontaneous things... Like returning to the circus, of explore abandoned buildings on the first place, or even why she liked doing random things in the first place with Jax.

She sincerely wished that maybe one day, she could name the feeling that weighed her down so.

...

She moved to hug a pillow, before hearing the door knock softly, a couple of times— almost like whoever knocked was scared to do so in the first place.

She stopped and stared at it... Squinting, momentarily alarmed.

She then slooowly sat up; while looking at the time at the digital alarm clock on the nightstand. It was well into the night, -- like, 2am. Like, the time a certain someone always became a bit restless.

"...Jax?" She called, having a second sense.

As if on que, she watched the door creek open, before he sort of stopped in place, not letting himself get too far. He popped his head in. ... Pomni watched him, for a moment, as he was illuminated only by the nightlight that had been installed just for her.

She watched the way he tried to articulate himself, but just couldn't find the words, and ultimately stared at the nightlight.

He looked down at the floor, before Pomni silently scooted over, patting the bed besides her, just as wordlessly.

His eyes seemed to light up some, as he closed the door behind him while making his way over to her. Then, crawling next to her and laying down; promptly pulling a certain jester into his arms as soon as he flopped down.

She just smiled to herself, before rolling over in his hold, unlike usual, much to his surprise... Now, they were face to face, propped up onto the pillows. She watched the way his eyes dilated on herself; practically sparkling with that single nightlight in the distance.

She just stared at him, watching him watching her.

"...You can't sleep alone, can you?.." she softly questioned, placing a hand on his face.

He blinked, rolling his eyes in embarrassment, but didn't answer. Pomni knew she had her answer, by the way he wouldn't look at her now. He closed his eyes instead, as she gently fidgeted with a loose curl that rested on his cheek bone.

He hated how annoyingly pretty he was. She really, really, did. Generally speaking, she'd much rather like women completely but... It wasn't like Jax wasn't a looker. It certainly helped his case in his assholeness and brashness.

"You going to sleep?" She asked him after a few minents... and he slowly opened his eyes focused on her again, before nodding curtly.

She noticed she could get some information out of him like this... When he was this soft and oh-so sleepy... He was more, ehem, ""pliable." So she watched him for a moment.

"...Do you have nightmares, Jax?"

Blink, blink... He slowly nodded...

"About the circus?"

Nod nod.

"How long?" She asked; but he didn't answer, for some reason unable to even try and bother with speaking. Maybe he really was just that tired. She shuffled in bed some, before pulling him close into her shoulders, resting her hand on the back of the nape of his head, feeling soft the baby curls there... He could use a haircut but she didn't have the heart simultaneously to tell him to get it done.

He never answered, instead he curled into her, tighter than ever before.

...

What a big softy... It really was hard to believe that this was the same man who had yelled at her so long ago. It was hard to believe that despite everything they had both went through how much it had made them change.

"You smell like apples..." He mumbled, causing her to blink some, before remembering that infact, he couldn't smell her apple scented shampoo.

"Weirdo." She bantered, feeling Jax give the smallest of chuckles into her shoulders... Before finally starting to drift off into sleep. Pomni gladly held him; now wondering how much was really bothering Jax.

He did a good job hiding it, all and all, but with the revelation of Ragatha pointing out he wasn't eating as much... And the fact, now, he had been suffering from nightmares since he left the circus or even perhaps longer... Was he okay?

...

She heard soft snores from below her, and she hummed approval as she held him. Hmm ... He was a little warm. ... She furrowed her eyebrows some. A little too warm? She pressed the back of her hand to his forehead.

She couldn't come to a sensible conclusion if he was okay or not. She then sighed, looking at the pretty sleepy bunny in her hold.

...If only she could usher a confession out of him.

———

Just like usual, Jax was gone in the morning. And as she sat up and rubbed her eyes, she stared at the spot he had taken on the bed, now empty and cold. She patted where he had been, debating if he had ever been there at all in the first place.

She blinked slowly, wondering why he always went away before she could get up. All things considering, she hadn't watched Jax wake up... like... Ever. She then wondered why. She squinted.

All things considered it was a little suspicious.

She stood up, now brushing herself throughly off, before getting dressed slowly... She kind of wanted Jax to stay here at Ragatha's house. She was pretty sure Ragatha didn't mind having here butttt... Jax seemed to mind being here. The perpetual cycle would continue unless one of them did something.

Or, like, she made them both sit down and hash it out.

She stepped out of the bedroom, now dressed, wearing one of Ragatha's hoodies. She blinked, running square into something. Nope, someone.

The jester looked up, face to face with Ragatha, who blinked in surprise, before looking awfully delighted seeing Pomni in her clothes.

"Awh, Pomni, you look so cute in my clothes!" She said, clasping her hand. She clasped her hands together as she stared down at the Jester, who blinked a couple of times at Ragatha's pretty smile. "We should give each other makeovers one day, I think that'd be fun."

Pomni gave a little smile, only because it was nice seeing her so high spirits for once.

"I'd like that. Mmm...maybe we can watch a movie too tonight, since.. um, we haven't like we said." Ragatha nodded cheerfully, before remarking:

"At least someone can keep promises."

Pomni tilted her head and went "huh."

At this, Ragatha quickly shrugged, and practically scurried down the stairs, her red hair bouncing as she did so.

Pomni squinted.
Okay, now she was double suspicious of both her friends for separate reasons. She eventually shrugged this off, before walking downstairs while tying her hair up. She found it was getting colder out, and she only had her green jacket to keep herself warm usually. She'd have to ask Ragatha for more of these big hoodies. They all had different schools on them, and she had to wonder why.

Pomni shuffled into the kitchen, before pausing, stopping, and staring at an unsuspecting Jax, who was standing in the kitchen.

The best way to get information out of this man, she had learned, was not by talking to him but rather staring at him whenever he thought no one was looking. She quickly shuffled to behind the corner, spying on the rabbit.

He looked, first of all, exhausted. More so than usual, which was strange, because he had certainly fell asleep last night. Secondly, as he was leaning against the counter, he went to rub his temples, indicating either he had a headache or he was stressed about something... Maybe both?

She followed the rabbits gaze to see a plate of breakfast on the counter in front of him, which he stared at distastefully. Slowly, he looked around, before tossing it into the trash and walking away, before anyone caught him.

What he had not expected, as he turned the corner, was Pomni, who had crossed her arms at him and squinted. He had practically jumped up five feet into the air at suddenly being startled, "EhahzzHEFUCKINCHRIST"

before exhaling and doubling over, hands on his knees.

"Jax."

He held up a finger, as to signify to "wait", still doubled over from the shock.

"...are you... Okay?"

"Shh... ... Give me a second ." He replied. ...

He let out a slightly nauseous groan, before standing up and clutching his heart.

...

"Why would you DO THAT?"

"Stand here?"

"Yes???"

Pomni scrunched up her nose at him in annoyance, and Jax had immediately figured out he had been caught red-handed regarding the food. He threw his hands up for fraction of a second, before closing his eyes and lying through his teeth.

"There was a bug in it." He said.

",,, I didn't even bring it up yet?"

"The food?"

"So... How did you know that's what I was going to say?" She said, tilting her head at him and squinting even harder. "Why aren't you eating?"

"I have noooo idea what you're talking about."

"Jax."

"I mean honestly I've been eating so much that I'm full, I mean, —"

"Jax—"

"And I'm a jerk I know but I don't just throw away food people made for me that would be ru—"

"Mitch!" She said, reaching up and grabbing him by the shoulder, before lowering him to eye level so she could give him a good, hard, look.

That had shut him up completely.

"I'm not letting this get into a habit before it starts to be one... You're going to eat, and then you're going to tell me why." She stated, very slowly and clearly.

...Now obedient, he nodded again. Pomni sighed, glad that he at least listened to her.

Satisfied, she took his hand and led him into the kitchen once more.

Chapter Text

Pomni had watched him with renewed interest after earlier, as she watched him sit down and eat a meal to its completion; she slowly sat infront of him.

"Okay so.... Talk." She just ordered; slowly while pointing to him gently.

The rabbit, who had a slightly annoyed expression on his face, cleared his plate clean to no one's surprise, and slowly pushed the plate away. He then heaved a heavy sigh, before pillowing his arms under his head and looking to the side. He looked tired.

"I genuinely, truly, have not been hungry." He said, before his eyes slid over to Pomni, who had been watching and listening to him closely. At this statement, she sighed softly... At least it wasn't something worse.

"Is.. there a reason why or?..."

She watched at Jax tapped on the table idly for a moment as he chose his words to reply with. She knew he hated being confronted like this, but she wasn't about to let him develop some stupid habit that would kill him. It's like, he jumped from smoking to not eating.

...

"I'm okay I just. —... Whenever we were all in the circus, remember when caine would make those dinners?... I realized, at some point, we didn't actually need to eat and there wasn't any value to eating except the taste and the fact we were sitting together... So, I stopped eating. Plain and simple?" He explained, before propping his head on his palm and staring at Pomni instead of laying his head down.

Man, he looked exhausted.

"So you just... Had reprogrammed your brain to stop eating?"

"Basically... Now that we're here, I just. ... " He shrugged, before looking at his empty plate. "Kinda started forgetting.. I only started cooking because you were there. Once you left, I forgot again. The rest is history." He said.

Pomni was satisfied with his truthful answer, before nodding.

"So what was that in the kitchen?..." She decided to ask, referring to him throwing away the food.

"I was genuinely not hungry for it. I didn't want Ragatha to see I threw it away." He said, slowly.

Pomni nodded, sighing softly and exhaling. Satisfied, she stood up and took his empty plate, while still thinking about what to say next. It's not like she could say much without being a hypocrite; so she just nodded at his direction.

"I obviously can't make you do anything... But I think you should start eating more. Maybe we can find you something to, idunno, enjoy whenever you need to eat." She said, shrugging. "Like a breakfast bar or something."

"I could eat y-".

"Jax."

"Whaaaaat?.." he said, innocently and smiling, staring at her as she shot him a glare, before hurrying to the kitchen to wash the plate. Stupid dumb smile. Dumb. Man. A man!!! Dumb man.

After tidying up the breakfast she had prepared for Jax she noticed that he had his eyes closed. Which for Jax, was unusual, due to his nature of wanting to be completely aware of his surroundings at all times. She moved back over to him, before placing a hand to his forehead again suddenly, just like last night, causing him to blink a few times.

Hmm ....

"Do you have a fever?"

"Huh?"

"A fever. You're hot."

"I know you are, but what am I?" He replied, smugly, before pushing her hand away. Then, in a more serious tone, he made eye contact with her and spoke:

"Stop worrying about me."

Pomni watched him with close precision, before narrowing her gaze at him.

"Oh so, you can worry about me, but I can't do the same thing?" She scolded.

"I didn't go run off into the one place that made us all incredibly fucked up, now did I?" He said; the words leaving his mouth before he could stop himself. "I think that's good enough reasln to make anyone worry."

Pomni blinked a couple times at his words, before he looked away. He uttered quickly a soft "sorry", before aggressively rubbing his face. Like, he hadn't meant for the words to actually fall from his mouth, yet they had.

She had dropped the conversation rather quickly.

Pomni sat next to him again at the table, staring intensely at him. It was one thing to avoid eating food. It was one thing having nightmares. It was one thing slipping up and feeling irritated. It was one thing having headaches. All of these symptoms but no answers.

She wasn't exactly sure what was going on with Jax, buthe seemed completely out of it. Maybe it had been her? Was it because he had overworked himself while she was M.I.A?
It just didn't make sense.

Then, suddenly, an idea hit her in the face like a moving semi truck. She recalled, that night, where both of them had slipped off their shirts for a moment— for fun, of course— the wound on Jax's hip.

She leaned forward over the wooden oak table and cupped his face, much to his tired surprise, before letting go— just to get his full attention... Although it hadn't escaped pomni the way he stared a second too long at her lips, before his tired eyes slowly dragged up to her eyes instead, almost begrudgingly.

"That wound; the one Caine left you?... H.. how is it healing.?" She asked.

She watched as his eyes widened for a second, staring at her, before— of course — looking away. And Pomni had her answer...

"Is, it healing?"

He shook his head slowly.

Pomni chewed on her lip slowly in thought, not really sure how to handle this except wanting to immediately drag him to the nearest doctor.

"Is it just, like, a normal wound?" She asked, before making him stand up from his seat. She lifted the corner of his hoodie —which he tried to make another joke about, but failed — this revealed the unbandaged wound; trying to heal but not exactly doing a good job.

The scary part was, as she stared at it, was that parts of it looked black, just like how she remembered a few nights ago.

She grimaced at the state of it. It looked worse, rather than better; and not like something she had ever seen before. It wasn't that it looked necrotic or rotten at all, but rather like the wound had almost sort of tried spreading... Which, was considerably alarming.

She then slooowly looked back up at him.

"... Jax, how long have you known about this."

"I didn't want you worry about it— me— it—" he said; holding his hands up defensively.

"Well what are we supposed to do because this isn't, like, a regular, wound obviously????"

"Exactly!!! What were you going to do, you were crying your eyes out all week and the last thing you needed was me and this weird— black— " Jax aggressively articulated in the air, before the gesturing aggressively to the laceration on his side. "— thing!?"

Pomni tugged at her hair in response, because he had a point. An annoying point, but a point.

He continued:

"Like--- here— Pomni, I know you're mourning your dead friend that's *cool* and all but hERE— check out the weird thing that's spreading up my SIDE." He said, before simmering down as soon as Pomni grabbed his hands and looked him into the eyes.

She genuinely, did not know what to do here, like, *at all.*

Do they even try a doctor??? She guessed, right??? Even though the black marks around the wound looked more haptic then natural.

Pomni dropped his black hoodie, before just staring up at him. She sort of hated that she couldn't even think about a logical plan for him; but it did seem like this— all the bad habits and traits that Jax had learned or earned from the circus just seemed to be getting amplified by the day.

Chapter Text

After relaying the information to Ragatha as soon as she was spotted again, Jax was immediately sent to bedrest while they brainstormed an idea. 

They were not about to send the hypersensitive man with vulnerability issues to be alone with himself while he was sick from a weird digitally infected wound. 

So he was sat in Pomni's bedroom, looking pretty fucking pissed off about this situation as a whole, as he sat against the wall, propped up. He clicked his tongue and squinted at both of them. 

"I don't really think this is really necessary." He said, as he stared at his friends in an unamused manor. Both women stood by the bedside, Pomni looking considerably more worried than Ragatha, who just kind of looked annoyed at him. "I feel like I'm five."

"I feel like you should of mentioned this before." Ragatha said, before rubbing her face. She then sighed slowly, placing a hand on her hip, glancing at Pomni, then Jax. "Between the two of you, I'm not sure who I should worry more about."

"Don't pretend you're emotionally stable either, rags." Jax replied, as he kept his hand on his side, looking at both of them with a sardonic smile "so, like, if there's nothing any of us can do why am I sitting here." 

"So you don't do anything stupid." Pomni answered, from beside Ragatha. "And you need to rest. You're clearly tired."

"That's rich coming from you. Don't be a hypocrite either." He said, his eyes leveling out on her; pomni blinked. Damn... He really *had* been worried about her. It seemed like this weird wound made the words fall out of his mouth quicker than he could stop himself, because he just looked a bit more annoyed that he had said anything rather than nothing. "... Sorry." He said, again, closing his eyes. 

...

Pomni blinked, glancing at Ragatha, who was staring at her. 

"No offense, Pomni, but.. he has a point... You did really worry us the other day... It... Really wasn't nice." She said, softly but sternly. "I... Want to talk to you about it soon... That... Wasn't okay."

At this, Pomni stammered under the scrutiny of her closest friends. Jax, not in the current right emotional state, pointed to her. 

"Yeah. You know... You know how sick I felt?... Huh?? Dummy." He said, before closing his eyes. "I make friends with someone and theeee first thing they do is try and go run off and abstract or something—" 

The women shared glances at each other. Abstract? Was that relevant to now? Not really. ... Something was off about Jax, and that sentence. It took Ragatha a moment to realize it was about his previous friend, Ribbit.

"I meant— dumb. Do something dumb like, idunno, going and, and, not speak to me or maybeee they run off to the circus and nearly lose themselves to the thing that fucked us all over in the first place." He mumbled.... Pomni noticed he sounded a bit incoherent at this point, but ... At least he was getting things off his chest. So, she didn't stop him from rambling on. But, the two women noticed that this wound was for sure messing with him more than physically, now. 

Speaking of physical, he really looked tired now.

"Pomni I couldn't sleep when you were gone, why'd you do that?" He grumbled on, before flopping over onto the bed, seemingly accepting his fate. 

It was like he was somewhere high, drunk, and delirious, right about now. 

Finally, Ragatha reached over when he stopped talking, his eyes closed. She touched his forehead, before delicately brushing his hair out of his eyes to reveal his forehead. He felt quite warm. His hand shot out suddenly and grabbed her wrist, staring at her. 

"...Don't touch me." He warned her, his voice icy and low. He then blinked, as he squinted at her shocked expression, as he didn't seem to quite understand why she was there, before closing his eyes again. 

Finally, she pulled her hand away, holding her wrist and frowning. Pomni noticed and looked up at her saddened expression, before taking her hand softly within her own. 

"He's out of it." She reminded him quietly. She nodded, moving her gaze to the floor, before looking at Pomni. Quietly, both of them stepped out of the bedroom to let Jax rest. 

Pomni kept the door open, just in case, as the two of them descended the steps, but still keeping Ragatha's hand within her own... She squeezed it, nervously. 

And, as the two of them reached the bottom of the stairs... Pomni finally let her curiosity win. 

"Did... You two used to date?" She asked, genuinely, staring at Ragatha with those big doe eyes of hers. 

"...Yeah.  Yes, we did." Ragatha confessed, looking at her wrist, which Pomni was still holding, oh so gently. She looked back up to Pomni, who was listening to her with intensity. "But... Uhm. It was complicated. There, was this person... And I guess they were a bit like you, Pomni, of not a little more mischievous and energetic. They just saw us as people, not things. We were best friends." 

Pomni listened; giving Ragatha a short nod as she waited for the other shoe to drop. 

"We got into a big argument; the three of us. We both said some... *Really* nasty things to each other. And... They abstracted... Me and Jax were never the same again... At first, we tried to... But... We grew more and more distant to the point he couldn't stand me anymore,,... And soon I couldn't either."

Pomni nodded again.

...

"So... I guess, now that we're —" Ragatha gave a little motion with her hands, smiling weakly "— human again; and free... And... Physical. I guess we're both coming to terms we both messed up."

...

"I really miss him, Pomni. The way he was with you, was the way he was with me... And, ... I'm not saying I'm jealous... But I guess I'm jealous about that you could reach him like that again." She said.

Pomni closed her eyes at this. She had feared this was the truth, or maybe she had known the entire time. 

"B-but, —"

"It's okay." Pomni said, seriously, interrupting her. "I think he feels the same way about you." She said. "Um. Obviously — I can't say anything for certain about him. But. ... I think he still cares about you the same way you do for him. I think... Both of you are just a little too scared." Pomni said. She smiled at Ragatha. "But, I can tell you, over the last few days, the real you is here. And maybe, that scares him. I think you two should talk..."

...

"But Pomni, he... *Likes* you."

"I know." She said, in all seriousness. "... I'm not blind... But I'm also not blind to see how much he cares about you too." She said. Pomni looked around some, her face a bit pink. "And I like him... And... Um, I like you too."

"Wh-" Ragatha said, her eyes widening some. Oh??? OH.

OH.

"M-me??" Ragatha asked, incredulously, as she pointed to herself, her big blue eyes staring down at Pomni, waiting for her to just joke. 

Pomni stared up at her, smiling some at her reaction. She laughed a little nervously, before scratching the back of her neck and ultimately looking away. "Uhm. Yeah... I mean, it's hard not too, Elizabeth... You're sweet. You... Really, *really* helped me out in the circus. I just —... I'd like to spend more time with you... But we haven't been able to yet— a-and, uhm. So... I. ... I really w-want to dO something with... Euhm. Y-you. Sometime. Ifyouwantto." Pomni said, nos looking down and aggressively fidgeting with her hands. "You're like,,, my best friend. Obviously. jax too... but, So.. I... Yes. "

Pomni cleared her throat.

"You... Want... To...— like a date?"

"Uhm. Eventually, not ,, now at this second ...uhm. Y-yes?"

Pomni said, looking up and clearing her throat awkwardly. 

They both stared long blushful stares with each other. Both sort of shocked that this conversation had led to. After some silence, Pomni waved her hands defensively and frantically, starting to take the silence as a rejection. 

"IF YOU WANTTO I MEAN IMjUST KIDDING HAHAH— WOW WHAT A BAD TIME TO JOKE ABO—"

Ragatha frantically shook her head, taking Pomni's slender hands into her own and practically beaming ear to ear. 

"Yes!!! You'resocute.— yes!" She said, while hopping once out of pure excitement. "Like, best friends but better."

Pomni almost corrected her to girlfriends, but stopped her. 

"It's funny, because, remember how I used to joke that if you were a guy I'd date you, in the circus." She said, which caused Pomni to sneer at the memory. Ah, the common phrase used around queer women. "Well, after Zooble and Gangle got together and... Well. I was nosy. We talked a lot about that whole scene... And um... how ... I had .. feelings... for a girl... I didn't realize I liked, well. Everyone!... And, um, you."

Pomni gave a gentle smile; glad Ragatha— Elizabeth, — saw her as not just an "experiment."

"So Zooble and Gangle... Knew? You liked me??"

"Y-yes... ,,,,  um... And... They've been ""shipping us"' I guess that's what Gangle said ... And..."

"Oh. My god? Is that why zooble wanted us to move in together???? ,,,  oh no ... I told zooble about..."

Pomni was reminded about the time they had confused in zooble about Ragatha too. 

.... My god.

"That and they hate Jax, yes."

".... Oh my god.." 

Pomni blinked, snorted, and covered her mouth while giggling, she had to look away from Ragatha as she laughed, covering her mouth some. 

"Now I ... really feel bad we haven't been able to do anything since we left..." Pomni hummed.  She took Ragatha's soft hands into her own, before looking up at her, and Ragatha was hit with the realization how much she wanted to kiss her senseless, but pulled her hand away to instead lead her to the living room. 

They both took a seat on the couch, and Pomni sat crisscrossed next to her, smiling to herself.

"So, you... Still, like Jax?" Ragatha questioned, in all seriousness. Pomni then blinked then nodded slowly. 

"Yes..."

"And you like me."

",,, yes?... Is,,, that... Um. Okay?"

"Yes — of course it is." Ragatha answered, softly, before holding her own chin. 

"And... Um. You like me."

"Yes." Ragatha said, resolutely, which made Pomni look away out of shyness. 

"And. Jax likes me." Ragatha said. "And I like Jax. And Jax likes you and me."

"So.. like ... W.. what are we?"

"Iiiiii...  Uhm... I dooon't really know, honestly." Pomni confessed, softly. "I don't really think we need labels on each other." Pomni answered genuinely. That idea seemed to relax Ragatha some, before nodding. 

She then abruptly threw her hands out — "ah. Right!!! Jax. The weird wound." Pomni said, blinking in concentration. Her yuri love story had distracted her. 

"Right!" Ragatha said, nodding curtly and placing her fist into her hand.  The tension between them still there but deciding to focus on .... A man. 

...

Neither of them knew what to do.  Pomni rubbed her face. 

"If we take him to the doctor there's no way we can do anything. And, unfortunately, his dumbass decided to burn down the building."

"We don't need to go back there." Ragatha said, siding with Jax. Pomni, in response, gave her a long look, before sighing. 

"Ookay. Yeah. — but—"

"Never again."

"Right." Pomni said, placing her chin on her palm and squinting her nose in concentration. Ragatha found it quite cute whenever she did that. Pomni was really, really, pretty. 

"I guess... We have to wait and see if he gets over it..." Said Ragatha, slowly. "If... The wound is more psychological... Like a biological computer virus...don't exactly think a hospital would be able to do anything; but worth him more. 

Pomni nodded. 

"So... We just wait and see?..." Pomni said. 

'Yes. Sort of like a horse."

"No... No. No not like a horse." Pomni replied, cracking a smirk at her, which made Ragatha stamned some. .... She just, really liked horses....

"He might get worse before he gets better... And if that's the case—"

"What's the case?" Said a sudden voice from behind both of them. Now it was Pomni's turn to practically jump off the couch nearly three inches, before doubling over and clutching her chest. 

....

"Jax?! How long have you been STANDING THERE???" she said, panting out of fear, before doubling over. 

Ragatha's face turned dark red, not able to look at him, just in case he had heard,,,  any of that.......

"Loooong enough to hear you proclaim undying love to each other and your's truly." He said, from behind the couch. Now, it was Pomni's turn to turn dark red, as she stammered. Slowly, she reached for a pillow, which was enough for Jax to get flashbacks to the fair. 

"NO—" He yelped, before Pomni threatened him with the pillow..

"BED!!!"

"IM GOING IM GOING—" He said, trying his best to run away from the evil Pomni, which was hard to do from the limp to his leg. Pomni only half assed chased him up the stairs, before stopping and smiling when he reached the top and slipped back into the bedroom . She noticed a genuine smile on his face before he did so. 

...

For once maybe him eaves dropping was a good thing. Because there was no way Ragatha would of ever said that to him face to face. 
....

Maybe she was a good thing too. 

———

When night arrived, the two women had shared a movie night together as promised when they were in the circus together; catching Ragatha up with all the modern pop culture, which unfortunately they decided on breaking bad, thanks to Jax's love for it. 

Typically, Ragatha wouldn't want to exclude anyone, but with Jax resting and the confession from earlier from Pomni, ... She was just real glad she had some time to herself with her. As Pomni munched on popcorn, wearing her hoodie, watching the TV. Eventually, she looked up and snuggled into her, closing the distance between them. 

Ragatha's heart nearly exploded. 

It had been so long since... Well... She felt cared for. And with Pomni... It was nice but just be seen. 

Quietly, Ragatha held her hand, trying to pay attention to the show, but eventually failing as a little nervous giggle fell from her lips. 

Pomni looked over with a grin and a raised eyebrow. 

"What's got you laughing."

Ragatha waved her free hand. 

"I j-just, I'm really happy, sorry!" She confessed, smiling under the light of the TV. Pomni smiled at her, knowing she made the right choice as she watched some curls fall into her face. Ragatha deserved to be happy like this. By her. 

"You're cute." Pomni decided, which made Ragatha fry even more as she stammered and giggled more. 

"I— i— !!! You!! Stop it—" she said, slapping a hand over Pomni's face before she could further fluster her. Pomni laughed behind her han and snorted. 

"Sorry- I'm just saying the tru— heYf" 

A hand was placed over her lips, causing Pomni to playfully glare. 

Ragatha smiled nervously at her, before a certain jester could fry her completely. 

"If I pulled all the same things you just did. You'd be dead! Youuu... You... You're all bite and no bark." She said. Pomni snorted, before pulling away and tilting her head. 

"You'll just have to try and see." She said, while shrugging innocently. 

She then leaned forward, playfully grinning. Because after all, Pomni was playful. She was a jester, after all. She watched Ragatha's eyes widen some, smiling ear to ear. 

"But you can't." 

She then stood up and hummed to herself, satisfied at her game at both Ragatha and Jax... Unbeknownst to her, one day, she'd get teamed up on.

Ragatha, left speechless, blinked at her. 

"Anyway. I'm going to check on Jax. Goodnight!" She said, while waving and walking away. 

"G-. Goodnight! Sophie!!!" She heard Ragatha call. The doll practically kicked her feet as soon as she was alone, before pulling out her phone and deciding to update gangle and Zooble — her wingmen. wing people.

...
---

Pomni stepped upstairs, before slipping into her bedroom and closing the door behind her to investigating the sleeping Jax. ... He had been doing that a lot. So much for not being sick. 

Especially since she knew he had a hard time sleeping. Illuminated by the nightlight, she sat next to him, and stared. Quietly, she reached over and combed some hair out of his face... She debated heavily about waking him up... She didn't get to see him asleep very often. She quite enjoyed the calm expression on his pretty face.

She tapped his cheek, just like how he did to her. 

He stirred slightly, and upon seeing Pomni's face he smiled softly and a bit weakly, leaning into her cool hands. She noted how warm his cheeks felt. ...

"...Pompom."' He said, his voice low and raspy. She'd never seen him wake up before... And now she suspected besides running away from his feelings, it was because how soft he was waking up. Like, the fluffy rabbit he was. 

"Don't call me that." She joked, watching his gaze linger on her. 

"Sophie~"

...

"You and Ragatha...?" He asked, sleepily. 

"Mhm ... But I'd say you and I too." She said, watching him slowly smile sleepily. So tender, like this. 

"I like that." He said, closing his eyes again and exhaling... Like he was too tired to keep them open. 

"Good, it isn't up to you." She teased. She then looked down at his hand, which was gripping his side tightly. He seemed to be in some genuine pain.

"I wanted to check it again.. can I?" She then asked. 

Jax opened his eyes, nodded, then closed them again. 

She was so pretty.

"You'll have to sit up." She instructed. She was reminded of a few nights ago again, their positions switched. 

He did; now leaning against the wall begrudgingly, like it took a lot of effort... And by the way he was holding it, it looked like it might of.

"If this doesn't, like, get any better any soon, we're going to the doctor." She fussed, reaching over and removing the hand holding his side. Pomni scooted quite close; sitting on her knees on the bed. 

She held his hand with her left hand, before pushing up his hoodie slightly. To her alarm, it... Simultaneously looked better and worse. 

"You're so cute when you worry." He said, his voice low. She ignored him; although the tone he used made her blush slightly.

The wound: Better, in terms of the actual cut..  Like the stitches finally took hold and mended themselves... But in terms of the darker than the dark skin that was already there; it was spreading up his side in slightly 90 degree line... It was odd, seeing something so biological yet computer. 

But, it brought her some comfort knowing the wound itself was healing.

She let her palm rest over the wound, before absentmindedly tracing the lines in a slow motion in thought. When she finally looked up again, Jax was staring at her with an intense gaze. He sucked a quiet breath from his teeth.

She couldn't describe it other than intense; and his breathing was slow, like he was calmed by her touches. She was surprised by the look... Considering how hard it had been to keep his eyes open a few moments again.

She tilted her head, unaware of what such a strong look could mean. 

"Does it hurt?" She questioned softly. 

He nodded, slowly, suddenly leaning forward into her personal space, very close to her face, causing her to jump some, finding her cheeks hot at his close he was. He could feel his breath on her face, and his eyes were focused on her lips... But it seemed like, last moment, he stopped himself. Slowly, he looked into her eyes, tilting his head. His eyes so intense and catlike; it could melt someone. 

Jax wanted her more than life.

Yes, it hurt. 

"... I want to kiss you." He breathed, moving both his hands to her shoulder, squarely. 

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Zooble sat up, pressing a hand to their face, before sighing and bringing their hand to their temple.

They then looked over to the sleeping figure next to them; she was sleeping away peacefully... Their arms wrapped around their waist.

Elle smiled, pressing as they reached over to gently push Gangle's hair out of their eyes, before gently pressing their palm to their cheek.

They had recently awoke from a nightmare, slowly, as they slipped out of a bed, they felt a gentle tug to their sweater. They gave pause, before looking at the sleeping Gangle.

They grinned at the state of her, before laying down with a huff, grinning widely at her. To Zooble, nothing could get better than this. Everything they had went through... Might of been worth it, just for these kind of moments.

Finally, gangle opened her eyes slightly, smiling softly.

"Are ... You ok?" She asked quietly.

"Mhm." They said, before wrapping their toned arms around theim and burying both of them under thick blankets. Gangle placed a hand on their chest, before staring up at her with big, soft, eyes.

".... What?...." They asked, smiling a bit nervously at their fond look. Gangle just shrugged innocently, before looking away. But Zooble, at this point, clearly understood what this look meant. They leaned forward before showering Gangle's face in kisses, causing the mask to kick her feet and try and push their head away.

Zooble snorted, before pressing a proper kiss to her lips.

"You look cute wearing my clothes." They said, before sitting up and placing their arms on either them. This, caused gangle to blink, before laughing nervously out of sudden... anticipation.

———

Zooble woke up, blinking one eye at a time while rubbing their neck, fingers running over their their collarbones and chest as well— feeling sore spots.

Ow.

Slowly, they reached over to their nightstand. Their apartment, which Gangle was staying at, wasn't very big or lavish, — a studio apartment. If they hadn't known the landlord so well, they'd probably would of been out of a house for ages.

Thankfully, everything worked out, like, a unseeable god couldn't be bothered about writing the inns and outs of housing markets, or something.

To Zooble's pleasant surprise, they had a slew of messages from Ragatha, carrying from "omg" to "omg it happened" to "I think me and Pomni are dating now" to "omg." Again.
Zooble quietly laughed to themselves as they typed back.

—"Congratulations. Fucking finally."

Zooble looked over their shoulders as gangle sat up and leaned against their arm. Quietly, they tilted the phone so she could see too.

"Angela?"

"Hm?"

"Ragatha and Pomni finally got together."

Gangle's eyes lit up, before they quietly smiled and clapped their hands softly.

"I always shipped them." She said, mischievously, as she tapped her fingers together. Gangle hummed, before laying down with a 'plop'. Zooble reached over and covered her up with a blanket, before standing up themselves, finally free from a certain women's arms that liked to hold them captive to bed.

While they still had the opportunity, they moved to the kitchen, picking up their discarded clothes and getting dressed, all whole texting Ragatha again.

—"We have a lot to catch up on. You two should come over."

—"I really don't want to start a fight with Jax again."

—"He's been sick."

—"Sick in the head l o l."

— "that's not nice. But.. true."

Zooble then clicked off their phone, before tossing it onto the counter, before preparing a meal for their lovely girlfriend, who was sitting and looking pretty in their bed.

They looked over for a moment, before looking away silently, feeling quite blessed about their second lease on life. ... Among, other things....

"I think we should check up on the three of them. They usually have something going on so far." Zooble said. Gangle sat up and held the blanket to her chest in thought, before nodding and smiling.

"I think it'll be nice to see everyone again, it's not like they could of gotten to too much in just a week or so."

"Let's plan to go tomorrow, Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Chapter Text

Pomni stared at him with a dawning realization at his words; with such tenderness, and the firm grip on her shoulders, it was almost impossible to say no...

She blinked, slowly, staring at how close he was to her lips, watching the way he was practically restraining himself from kissing her senseless...

She blinked slowly at him, finding her throat unable to form any words cohesively for a moment, before she stammered and stumbled slightly. 

...

"A-are you sure you... Uhm.. want to? Me?" She asked, quietly. "Are you sure??? Now?? This isn't the cut rig—"

Jax placed a hand behind her, staring up at her with a slightly even yet somehow simultaneously delirious expression — closing any remaining space between them. Pomni could feel his chest against her own, before he pressed his warm forehead to her own. 

"...Don't make me beg."

HELLO?!??????

Pomni stammered some, before turning bright red. She then cleared her throat and nervously laughed, unable to look him into his intense eyes. 

"Mmmaybe... Just- just— a small kiss. And— um.— thenyouhavetosleep. So ye—"

She felt two warm, rough, hands on her cheeks, before they gently dug into her cheekbones as he pulled her forward into him. She mentally died in her head, before finding one of her hands slipping onto his shoulder; finding that she instantly reciprocated the kiss. 

Jax pulled away, before wiping the back of his mouth with his hand. 

...

The two shared a long, quiet, look — a millisecond apart from each other's lips, before Pomni abruptly surged forward herself, tangling her fingers in the back of his dark, loose, curls and kissing him senseless. She tried to pull away to breathe, but Jax followed and met her lips every single time... And Pomni reciprocated, each and every time. 

Eventually, she placed a firm hand over Jax's lips when he had traveled a little too far to her jaw. He only stared at her, with that catlike expression, as her hand was placed over his mouth like a makeshift muzzle. 

She could only stared at him, completely frazzled for a moment, before she tried speaking. 

"...t-That wasn't a little kiss."

"I'm notf sorryf." He said; his voice low and muffled from her hand. She gently "shoved" him back against the wall, and he stared at her with unamusement. Typical man. 

She realized now, from his particularly... Delirious... Expression, how much he wanted to devour her alive... And Pomni couldn't help but to wonder for how long he had wanted to do this to her. She cleared her throat, having to look away for a solid moment with a slight smile, red face, and wide eyes, before aggressively shaking her head. 

"If you get better— um... We can..  do this again." She said, slowly. 

...

Jax only continued to stare at her. She was, jokingly, concerned that if she let go of the firm cover on his mouth, he'd just kiss her again. His eyes were half lidded, and she couldn't help but wonder if the wound was still impeding any actions. 

"I wantf... To use... Myf... Deal."

Pomni's eyes widened in "horror." 

"No. No— no you do not to get your deal on — on- uhm— kissing me?!  You're supposed to use it on something stupid!!!" She said, frantically, before reaching over and picking up a pillow. She dawned it like a royal weapon... And she watched as his eyes were conditioned with playful fear at the pillow. "It's not allowed."

"Nuh uhf." He said, before closing his eyes smugly. "No rulesf. Nof takef backfs." 

"Then I use my deal against your deal." She replied. 

"I cantf believef youf hatef mef sof muchf." He replied, but he couldn't feel the smile under his mischievous gaze. Truthfully, he could completely overpower her, and Pomni wouldn't mind, but he didn't. 

Although, at the joke, she hit him with a pillow...

"Jax — I'm not, like... Going to sit here and make out with y-you just because you used your DEAL on me??"

"Why not?" He asked, now that his mouth was free; although he kept a distance... Only because Pomni's hand was firmly on his chest, keeping him only an arm's length away. 

At the question, she stammered even worse, finding that her usual high ground around Jax was starting to crumble. It didn't help that his eyes would follow each of her subtle movements. She swore that Jax was even  watching her *breathe.* 

Finally, losing her battle, she stood up quickly — or, she tried to, but was grabbed softly by the wrist, before being tugged back into the bed. She made a startled sound, before she was engulfed in a pair of sturdy arms. He moved both of them so they were laying down into the bed; her facing him in a smooth motion.

"I guess I'll just ... *Sigh* use it later, then. I'm tired." He decided, with closed eyes and a stupid sleepy grin. 

Pomni had no time to properly cover from their impromptu kisses — and now was face to face into his chest, her face completely red as she tucked her hands between their chests. 

...

He heard a soft chuckle escape his lips, as he closed his eyes and curled into her. It was no time at all before he was asleep once more— a hand on his side and the other wrapped snugly around a certain jester's waist... Intent on keeping her there until morning. 

He looked quite proud and happy if himself in his sleep Pomni noticed. 

...

She could explode. 

Chapter Text

This time, Pomni noticed, that when she woke up, Jax was still beside her for the first time...

All things considered, she'd be glad, other than the cold sweat on his forehead and the way he was clutching his hip in his sleep.

She sat up immediately, gently shaking his shoulder gently and stubbornly. He did not stir — at least, not for a moment, until she gave him a hard shake.

His long curtain of lashes blinked awake as he inhaled sharply, before curling up into a ball where Pomni's had just been— clearly in a good amount of pain.

"Are you okay?" She asked, like a very smart person.

"What do you think?" He replied sarcastically; his voice ragged. ... "Sorry.,"

"I'll take that as a no." She said in response. She looked outside for a moment, her eyes noting the bright sun.

"Yes, captain obvious. — Sorry."

Pomni shook her head softly as she rested her palm against his cheek. He flinched, before relaxing, like any touch was a bit agonizing. "I don't blame you. It's okay — can you try and tell me how you feel?"

"Like every atom of my body is on fire." He replied, casually, death glaring the bed.

"Ah." Pomni replied, intelligently.

"And like I want to lose my shit on anyone who talks to me. No offense."

"None taken." She said, looking slowly at the door as she debated on getting Ragatha. At this, her hand was firmly taken into his own. She looked over in surprise, before he stared up at her with that same sort of intensity from last night.

"Don't leave me—..." He said, pulling her hand closer. She exhaled, looking towards the direction of Ragatha's door, before turning around and pulling him into her lap.

The action seemed to have thoroughly surprised him... But it seemed to have eased him, she noticed, as his face was less contorted and instead something more tired. Like any sharp edges had been smoothed out.

She pet back his hair some, and that eased him further, until his eyes were closed. All at once she was reminded of the sort of abstracted individuals that seemed to get smoother when calmed. She stared at Jax, debating this. All things considered, both the behavior of him and abstracted individuals were quite similar.

Erratic behavior, annoyed easily, calmed by the ones who care, restless... Hm.

It's like the digital wound that he had received in the circus really had manifested it's way as a physical form.

So, as much as Jax wouldn't glitch or anything worse, it seemed as if the wound may sort of fester. She frowned at this thought deeply. Because, at the time, if someone glitched from an abstracted individual wounding them, Caine would simply snap his fingers and fix them all.

Although, as she realized this, she realized critically that Caine was no longer around... She.. thought.
Maybe.

What do you even do in this situation?

She didn't know, and it wasn't like she could leave the man stranded when he had curled up to her like she was his only lifeline... She rubbed his back quietly, and it seemed to soothe him enough for him to fall back silent, she watched as his jaw only slightly unclenched.

...

———

Eventually, Ragatha, maybe an hour or two later, realized none of her friends had stirred, and finally popped her head in to view both Jax and Pomni. Pomni, sat and deep in thought, with Jax's head in her lap — he was curled so tightly to her, poor Pomni looked trapped.

The scene reminded Ragatha of a cat curled up to their owner's lap. She took a couple steps in, and Pomni looked relieved. Despite this, she whispered to Ragatha, as to not wake Jax up.

She explained her theory to Ragatha, as she sat down next to her, on the edge of the bed as she stared down at the poor rabbit.

Ragatha lowly looked up at her as Pomni vaguely gestured with her hands as she continued on...

"The thing is, I don't know how Caine fixed us, considering he could fix everything. And, as we realize, Jax sort of burnt down the place that might of held any answer for him. If we could of known how the headsets worked— maybe. Maybe,, " she said; ever so desperate for answers.

...

Ragatha placed a hand on Pomni's shoulder to soothe her.

"It'll be okay, I promise." Her voice was low in order not to stir the rabbit.

"If your theory is right, then maybe all we have to do is sort of... Uncorrupt, him?" She offered; slightly optimistic as she moved some of her red ringlets out of her blue eyes. She tapped her chin throughly. "I just... Don't know how we'd do that, exactly?"

"Soo... Do we have to give him a psychological deep dive? Because, honestly, I don't think I'm the best person to, like, do that??"

"Ah." Ragatha replied, reaching over idly and also petting Jax like he was a sickly pet between them, as it should be.

Both of the women looked at each other, before nodding to each other suddenly with full confidence. What better in place therapist then a bar tender.

"Zooble." They said in unison.

"Should we get him drunk?"

... A long thought was shared between them, before Ragatha shrugged innocently.

"He... Well, maybe?" Ragatha said thoughtfully. "He's sort of a happy drunk... Unless it's liquor, then he just gets sort of—" she vaguely gestured. "—um. Frisky." She concluded.

"I like that there's the slight possibility that in order for us to get him to share about his feelings we might have to get him drunk." Pomni snorted.

Ragatha chuckled softly to herself, although her gaze was worried in general about Jax.

...

Here's to hoping Zooble could magically make this better,,,,

Chapter Text

Zooble arrived, of course, in the afternoon. A certain Mask had kept them quite busy this morning. Usually, it was hard for Zooble to scamper away from Gangle's hungry appetite.

However, after escaping, they had remembered their plan and visiting their friends. So, forced to wear a sweater, Zooble thanked the stars above for the chilly weather, While Gangle stood beside them, looking quite pleased with themselves as always that they had their way.

Zooble loved their girlfriend so fucking much holy shit.

Zooble shook their head to themselves to focus. Trying to remember why exactly they were here. Ah, right. Ragatha had said there had been a lot to catch up on... Something about Jax being sick?
They were also not sure why they were requested to bring any alcohol they might of had with them. But hey, they wouldn't judge. Maybe they all could just... Drink and chill.

Gangle, in Zooble's red sweater, left their partners side to knock on the door.

It was a few moments, but eventually, Ragatha answered the door, ever so cheerful. Her pretty red hair was braided to the side, and she was wearing a flannel and a pair of loose jeans. "Hi everyone!" She chirped, as she stepped aside and let the two of them in.

"Hiiii..." Said Gangle.

"Sup'." Said Zooble, as they held up the bag containing booze.

...

Ragatha smiled sheepishly as she closed the door behind them both.

"I guess I uh... Should catch you up to speed?"

———

"SHE'S DATING YOU BOTH?—"
"I didn't think she had the balls—"
"Wow."

"Not exactly the ship I was expecting but .. it makes sense.... the dynamics..." Gangle mumbled to herself thoughtfully, as she stared at the wall. Thankfully only Zooble could hear her mumble to herself as she began to pace in thought. "...such a power throuple that the mental unstableness cancels itself out because they all have different problems... ... wow .... and... Ragatha's obsession, Pomni's Observations, and Jax's passion makes like... The ultimate harem.... And, what about Ragatha's and Jax's old romantic feelings resurfacing at being such a close proximity...... I can't believe I never thought about that. ... My minds been opened. ... Imagine... All the. The.... Fanfictions I can write with this information... That, there doesn't have to be shipping wars ... When I can just.... Ship everyone.... The dynamics ... I can't believe I never thought about this ... Wow."

Zooble covered their mouth and tried not to snicker as they shook their head to try and focus. They fixed their hair as they spoke.

"You... Mentioned Jax was sick?"

Ragatha blinked, clearly lost in thought, before returning to reality as she moved to sit on the leather couch in front of her friends, exhaling as she fiddled with her collar.

...

"So we think, that somehow, the wound that Jax got when he was in the circus while we were escaping Caine, had sort of —" Ragatha wiggled her fingers. "— manifested itself into his actual body. It's all black and like... The lines from it remind me of like the glitches we'd see. It's... Strange. Anyway, the wounds healing but the black markings aren't. So, we're starting to think that just like in the circus, it's slowly corrupting him more and more. Just like a glitch."

At this, both Zooble and Gangle nodded. Gangle moved to sit on the arm of the couch thoughtfully as she listened. Zooble reached up to hold her hand.

"So, we'd just have to get c- oh. Ah."
"Ah." Said Gangle, seeing the problem too.
Caine was gone. ,,, supposably.
"So... I know we said no one should go back, but maybe we can figure out something about the headsets and help him out? If doesn't sound like a doctor will help."

Ragatha aggressively fiddled with her collar more.

"Jax uhh..."

"Jax?..." Zooble said, urging Ragatha to finish her sentence.

"Sort of burnt down the whole ,, place?"

"HUH?!"

Gangle's eyes widened, before looking somewhat relieved, as she rubbed her arm. At least she wouldn't have to worry about anyone else getting trapped, right?...

Zooble was silent for a solid couple of seconds, before exhaling.

"Yeah that'll make things difficult... So, no doctor, no Caine, and no research..." They mumbled.

Ragatha gave a curt nod to both of them, before standing up off the couch, as if she was presenting something. Instead, she sighed and looked up.

"So me and Pomni theorized that all we'd have to do here is sort of... Psychologically uncorrupt him? We hope? This is where you come in."

"How am I supposed to help???" Zooble asked in dismay.

"Well, out of all of us... I think you're the most mentally stable, so..." Ragatha said, as she scratched her neck. "I mean, usually I'd handle the groups issues but ... Me and Jax don't get along... He doesn't even let me touch him, so..." She mumbled.

"So you think I'm the best fit?" They asked incredulously...

"You were a bartender. I was sort of hoping the perk of the job would help us?" She said, clearing her throat.

...

"Okay. Fine, let's just say I get up there, and he decides to continue being a prick?"

Ragatha gently motioned with her chin to the bag of booze.

"Bartender." She said, raising her eyebrow.

"Ah." Zooble said, thoughtfully, as they brought their long fingers to their chin and slowly nodded. "...ah."

———

"Hey Bunny boy." Zooble announced, walking in slowly and clearing their throat. The scene they had actually walked in on was quite warming... With Jax curled up to Pomni's lap, and her dutifully rubbing his back. She looked a bit worried, and a bit tired... But Zooble was just glad she was okay. After all, she had heard all about her missing a few days ago from Ragatha... and Ragatha's plan to confront her about it.

Pomni looked up; relieved to find Zooble and Ragatha standing in the doorframe.

"Don't call me that." Zooble heard in response to their banter.

Zooble slowly shuffled over and placed a hand to their hip, looking down at the rabbit, before sighing and sitting down on the edge of the bed with everyone.

Jax, slightly ashamed of being so clingy infront of people, slowly pushed himself up into a sitting position; his arms shaking with effort.

"Why are you here???" He asked while rubbing at his eyes. Pomni took this second to stand and stretch her legs; quickly finding her way to Ragatha and practically tucking herself under her arm.

He gave a halfhearted glare, before leaning against the wall, bringing a leg to his chest and exhaling. Even he — the second master of Masking compared to Gangle — couldn't hide the exhaustion that this situation was tolling on him.

"We came to see Ragatha, but she mentioned you seemed pretty sick, so I decided to check up on you." Zooble said. Jax squinted at them; before shrugging, big finding too much inherently wrong with that. Zooble then turned to face them straight on, now sitting criss crossed. "You,, been , um,, good?"

"What'd'ya think Einstein?" He immediately replied, gesturing to his sweatpants, and eyebags. "Do I look like the peak of male performance here or what?'

"Alright— jeez— no need to be so... Pushy."

"Oh, I'll show you pushy." He said, sneering... Which just looked like more than a grimace. He then hissed and held his side as another wave of pain rolled through him. Then, he closed his eyes and smiled, laughing lowly. "Sorry. I'm trying to be nice. No offense, but just the sight of your face makes me want to lose my mind. ... No offense."

",,,, offense taken. Anyway. Look, Jax, we can do this the hard way or the easy way. The girls have a theory that your wound is stemming from the glitch you received in the circus and is currently festering on your emotional demons; corrupting you entirely from the inside out."

Pomni blinked; yeah that was definitely better put then what she'd said earlier to Ragatha.

",, damn." Jax said, blinking a frog blink at Zooble, who held an intense gaze. They pointed at him directly and intensely.

"So— SO— You can tell us all your deep dark secrets and be vulnerable with us via sober, or you can tell us your deep dark secrets and be vulnerable with us via being absolutely wasted."

"So like ... Are, these like... My only options or is there a third one?"

"Third one is you not telling us shit and you possibly die. So."

...

Jax rubbed his face and gave a long, long, groan, before holding his hand in an annoyed manor into the air. If he heard the word "so" one more time, he would get violent... And it would be Ragatha.

"Just — just— Booze me up."

"You'd really get drunk then just being upfront."

"Sue me, would you, toybox?"

——

One glass of whiskey was enough to have Jax far more pleasant around, as Zooble noticed. He was a terribly light drinker... Which was funny for someone who talked soooo much shit.

He held the cup with his left hand, and held his side with the other, as a second cup was poured for him. In order to make the poor rabbit feel a bit better about his predicament, they all had a couple sips themselves — but not one of them getting a considerable amount close to how drunk Jax would be in a few.

They had moved the party upstairs, metaphorically speaking, as they brought chairs and stools to sit around and chat and keeping Jax Company. Pomni sat next to him, of course, finding herself quite protective of the dumb man. Ragatha had sat on the bed too, although keeping a good distance away from Jax, knowing she troubled him so.

Zooble sat on a chair across from the party, using the back of the chair as a headrest, and Gangle sat on a stool close by.

"Awh look at this! Just like old times." Said Jax, happily, as he held his glass. It was hard to tell that simultaneously he was in agonizing pain....

Pomni was tempted to mention Kinger missing, but didn't bring it up. But rather, much to Pomni's quiet surprise, Jax dud instead, staring into the cup.

"I wish Kinger could see us all buddy buddy. He'd love that."

At this, Ragatha spoke up, curiosity peaked, as she watched Jax quietly circle the rim of the glass in thought, before looking over and accidentally making eye contact.

"I thought you didn't know Kinger like that?" She questioned."

To this, he shrugged, and closed his eyes, although this opening was like food for vultures, and Zooble immediately began to pry information out of him— sensing a discrepancy between what Ragatha had said, and his prior actions in the circus.

"I didn't." He lied.

",,, How'd you know he'd like this if you think he was just Crazy all the time?"

Jax paused mid sip, staring at Zooble, before closing his eyes and grinning. "Man, free booze is awesome. Maybe I should get sick more."

"Thinking of it, I think we can all agree that Kinger always managed to find us at our lowest, and knew exactly what to say." Gangle mentioned offhandedly, which caused a soft ripple of uniform agreement.

"He found me when we played that horror game..." Said Pomni, smiling softly, as she glanced at Jax and the others. "He helped me stay sane."

"He helped me when I was scared that, um, everyone secretly hated me..." Said Ragatha.

"He found me in that one bowling game.... Where I thought everyone thought I was annoying." Gangle said.

"I think... He came and talked to me one night after I had a bad panic attack about...uh, well, who I was. He told me I never had to label anything as definitive." They spoke, which caused Gangle to smile some on the thought.

Then, they turned their gaze back to Jax, who had been taken off guard and nearly choked on a sip of whisky. He cleared his throat and coughed some, as everyone awaited what he had to say.

"Nope, never bothered me. Jussttt... A
... weird guy." He said, shrugging.

........

"Right so I must of imagined him knocking on your door after Ribbit left." Zooble called out, causing Jax to suddenly clench his glass so hard, Pomni thought he might break it. She didn't say anything, however— because the whole point was trying to understand him better to help him. He recovered, smoothly, with a smile. "Yeah that's pretty normal, he wanted to check up on everyone ." He said.

"...But you think he's crazy? One statement can't be true without the second being false."

...

Sensing he was caught red-handed, he suddenly chugged down a second glass of whiskey.

Chapter Text

"Okay." Jax said, definitely. He tapped his glass twice, sighed, then leaned back against the wall. "Okay." He said, again.

Pomni slipped her own drink, quietly, watching him somewhat internally debate with himself.

"He used to visit me too, like all of you." He said
Pomni watched as he looked down— revealing the long curtain of eyelashes he had as he stared into his cup. "He was a good guy, I miss him just as everyone else does... He was a good guy."

To this, the group raised their glasses, in a toast for Kinger.

"Here Here!" Said Zooble, smiling some at their victory.

"Here Here!" Said the rest, who all laughed at their impromptu toast. Jax blinked, before raising his cup up too m, grinning genuinely at the sound of his friends cheer and laughter.

"Here here."

They all took a sip, before Pomni relaxed some, plopping her head on her knees and smiling. This... Was sort of fun, actually. Everyone just talking about their time in the circus and drinking. While it has been originally an intervention, it now just felt like they were all hanging out and relaxing. It was nice... They should do this again.

Jax, a bit tipsy now, continued, holding his cup out by resting his elbow on his knee, visibly relaxing some. The grip on his side seemed to have eased considerably.

"I think he should of made it." Jax said. There was another mumble of agreement. At this, Pomni looked down. The feeling of Kinger's hand on her face with his words... Calling her brave. She had never felt brave before; always scared. But, it had felt nice. Noticing Pomni's sudden somber mood, a brief frosn passed his lips, before he slid his gaze aside and cleared his throat, smiling again.

"I think everyone should of made it."

The group nodded at this.

"It's hard not to feel survivor's guilt about it." Jax said, solemnly, as he stared at the wall.

.......

The group shared an abrupt silence; all taking a mental note of the sudden sentence, before Jax Promptly covered this statement with wave of his hands.

"I mean— haha— we all do. Right?" ,,, "right?"

...
Silence; Pomni was half tempted to open her mouth, but the group had decided to stay silent to make Jax spill the beans on himself.

"ANYWAY LETS UHH.— hey Pomni—" Jax said, leaning forward and smirking mischievously. "Have you ever played spin the bottle?"

Pomni's eyes widened at this statement, before she promptly placed a palm on his cheek and pushed him away in fake "annoyance" as he tried to lean gross. "Ew!" She said, while laughing, trying not to turn pink in front of her friends. "You're so gross—!!"

"As if!— you could hardly get enough of me last n—" Jax said, before Pomni slapped a hand over Jax's mouth. Despite this, everyone could see his shit eating grin.

Pomni cleared her throat, waving this off with her hand.
"H-He's just trying to change the subject." She announced. "Ignore him."

Zooble's gaze lingered before sliding over to Gangle, who seemed to find this riveting, both of them shared a quick snicker.

"I don't know Pomni, he has a point, the two of you have been pretty close." Zooble pointed out. Pomni sheepishly laughed some, still keeping a hand over Jax's mouth. He wore a smug cat expression under his muzzle of Pomni's hand.

"We are— um— close." She confirmed.

"I'll make you cl—"

Pomni elbowed him into the side, again, keeping him at bay. Usually, that'd work, but the alcohol and wound seemed to have made him extra... "Fun."

"—And despite what he likes to show infront of you guys, he's a big softy and I really wish he'd allowed himself to talk to his friends more." She said, while making a pointed look at Jax.

His smug expression dropped, and slowly turned to a squint. She noticed how much darker his cheeks were now, from the alcohol.

"I would but evvveryonee likes yelling at me." He said, before covering his mouth for a moment to cover up a small hiccup. He cleared his throat and moved the glass into his other hand.

"I only yell at you when you're an asshole." Zooble replied.
"I also, only yell at you, when you're mean." Said Ragatha.

Jax's eyes slid over to Ragatha, and for a moment, his expression dropped off his face completely. Pomni had noticed a sort of tension between them that... Hadn't been there until very recently... It had made her start to wonder what had happened while she was gone.

With no one to meditate them, what did they say to each other?

His attention was caught by Zooble, who spoke up again. They had seemed to have noticed the tension as well.

"No offense, you two, but have you considered making up? Now that we're in the real world?" They said, while putting their bartending skills to good use and pouring everyone some more to drink and asking questions at the same time.

At this, Jax scoffed, not even looking at her.

"I'm trying to!" Ragatha said, before gesturing to Jax. "He won't even talk to me."

"That's not true; you had to start shit by bringing up the past again. Because, that's what you do— you dwell on stupid things and expect me to follow you right along. Well, dollface, I'm not like that. So get over yourself." He said, gesturing with his cup and pointing it at her.

"Because, Jax, Ribbit very much so bothers you!" She snapped back, causing Jax's eyes to completely narrow at her. He looked like he was about to throw a cup at her, but Zooble and Pomni intervened.

"Maybe we could try saying things nicer and talk about Ribbit —"

"You couldn't even show up at his funeral—"

"That's because I thought — we were — ..." Jax stammererd, the alcohol seemingly catching up to him slowly, before for a moment, she had seen the most painful expression on Jax's face she had ever seen. It was so brief, before he looked down. She watched as his very loose curls fall into his face. "I thought I was the reason." She heard Jax mumble.

And ordinarily, he'd never let anyone see him cry, but she saw a single tear fall down his arched nose, which he quickly wiped away with his palm. Pomni wasn't sure if anyone else saw, but she did.
She did.
He cleared his throat, and looked up, swiftly recovering from himself, with a well played smile and a sway of his half empty cup. Although, he was holding his side again.

"Anywayyyy, this has been fun and all but I don't really think it's be very uhhh.. uhh... .... Productive." He said, before giving a jazz hands. "So if you could all leave so I can, like, sleep this off."

...
Zooble seemed to consider this, before shaking their head and leaning back into their chair.

"Nope. This party is lasting all night, Bunny boy."

"... Don't call me that."

———

"HAHAHA—" He laughed, completely deliriously, as he doubled over and snorted, trying really hard to hold his glass up. "DUDE YOUR FACE— *SNORT*—"

Pomni wasn't really sure what time it was, or how many drinks she had herself, but everyone was having a good time now. Jax was drunk as hell, and it was truthfully hilarious as it was refreshing to see him so happy and excited about things.

It made you think about the phrase "drunks words spoken are just sober thoughts unspoken." Because, if it was true, Jax just really found a lot of things whimsical and lovely. He really was a big softy.

At some point they had all migrated to the floor of the bedroom. Ragatha was seated beside Pomni, and the two of them were both holding hands. They were both a bit buzzed, which was all Pomni wanted to be tonight. She was sort of glad this had became somewhat of a little house party for everyone.

Zooble and Ragatha sat on the other side from her and Ragatha, and Jax was leaning against the bottom base board of the bed, smiling at all his friends as they chatted about everything and anything... Now Pomni was really tempted to suggest seven minutes in heaven but, alas, maybe another day.

Meanwhile, Jax was laughing his ass off at some stupid joke about rabbits.

"The HOPS— PITAL. " He said, doubling over and cackling like a madman again. "THAT WAS ME— I WENT TO THE HOPS-PITAL."

Rabbits were known to be social creatures, so why had he out himself in isolation for so long? Maybe to punish himself.

"It's really not that funny —" zooble said, laughing across from him and shaking their head at the way Jax was cackling.

"No, it wasn't but your facee-ehehe— when I said that—" he said, before snorting and having to set his glass down, covering his face as he laughed even more, seemingly hopeless against the ever coming giggles. It was definitely heartwarming to see him so happy, Pomni thought. It was just a shame that the only way anyone got to see him like this is when he got so drunk.

...

Zooble waited a while after he stopped giggling before trying one last attempt to pry some information out of him.

"Do you remember when you and Ribbit would make hopping jokes all the time?" They tried, smiling. This time, Jax didn't seem to shy away from the question, unlike previously. He only leaned forward and rested his head on his palm, which was on his knee. His dark amber skin was completely flushed from alcohol, and Pomni couldn't help to have the bisexual panic that he looked so unburdened and pretty tight here in his sweatpants and a short sleeves short; showing off his tattoo. Before shaming herself for thinking a man was so pretty. ... A MAN!!! God help us all.

"Oh yeah, we would," he paused to close his eyes and reminisced. "We used to love in house adventures because then we'd just hide in our rooms... And if course, you know how they'd always steal stuff from adventures, so we'd get drunk or high or whatever.... Awesome. That guy was so cool."

He then sat up again.

"I don't even know why I said that shit to them... I guess Ribbit would get mean sometimes. And, back then, I was too naive. ..." Jax blinked. Was he like that? He guessed so.

Zooble seemed satisfy with this track of information. It seemed like their grand plan was working after all. Pomni felt Ragatha tense up beside her, but not say a word.

"Uhm, Jax, you said you were close to abstracting, what was that about?..." Pomni tried askiy, softly. There was a silence in the air, and he dropped his chin to his shoulder to stare at Pomni for a really long time, before seemingly registering what was asked.

...

"I just had enough." He said, flatly, before closing his eyes. "It just... Gets to a point." He said slowly. He hiccuped, again, and laughed, before dropping his head back and smiling. "And don't you ever wonder what the other side is like? Being free? I did. Maybe it was less boring if I just lost my shit entirely."

Pomni didn't know how to answer this, but suddenly, she felt Ragatha beside her point to him.

"You know that wouldn't be fair to any of us!!!"

Pomni held her hand, before clearing her throat. Ragatha simmered, some, but the two held a long look, before Jax spoke again.

"Quite the opposite. I had gotten to a point where I wanted you guys to hate me. So if something happened, maybe you guys would be glad I wasn't around."

Then, he flopped over, laying flat on the ground, staring at the ceiling as a sort of somberness rested over the air. Suddenly, it didn't feel as cheery anymore. Just... Depressing.

...

Self isolation.

Because rabbits were social creatures.

Chapter Text

All and all, in the late hours of the night and maybe even early morning, the group had shared stories of their adventures, drinking, and reminiscing about the past. Because, all they had was eachother.

But, as the energy died down,Zooble and Gangle too their leave in the sworn promise to Ragatha that'd they'd crash on the couch, rather than go home, on the account of drinking and driving.

Jax was, for the lack of a better term, pretty wasted. But, their plan had been successful in getting him to open up to all of them. He had managed to sit in bed once more, thanks to Pomni's help pulling him off the ground, which only caused a slur of drunken giggles to occur as he tried to crawl up to the bed, only to fail, causing both of them to laugh.

Eventually, with another tug, he managed his way up, before stretching his arms out and taking Pomni down with him.

They both giggled and laughed, one buzzed, one wasted. Pomni, finally, extended her hand to Ragatha, who had been keeping her distance. Her eyes lit up, as she crawled into bed with them both. She seemed a bit hesitant, but as Jax cracked her a genuine smile too... While, extending his hand, her face relaxed, and she laid next to him too.

So now, in a large cuddle pile, they all respectively curled up to each other, a jester in one arm, and a doll in the other, Jax stared at the ceiling, slightly content with himself. He felt pretty awesome right now.

With the nightlight on, Pomni was the first to fall asleep, her hand wrapped not only over Jax, but outstretched to hold Ragatha's arm. Ragatha meanwhile was too frazzled to think straight, how'd she get into this situation???

...

It was a while before anything was said.

Unable to relax, she looked up slowly, staring at Jax, who still held a small, loopy, smile to his face. He looked down, and blinked slowly at her.

"Hm?" He asked; she quietly stammererd for a moment, just at the softness of his voice that reminded her of so long ago.

"You look happier." She whispered, as to not wake Pomni up.

"Its'coz' the alcohol." He slurred, before snorting.

...

There was another long moment of silence, where they both quietly stared at each other. Eventually, Jax was the first to look away.

...

"I wish youu... Were nice to me.... Coz'... I don't wanna... Hate you." He told Ragatha, his voice slurred. He'd regret this in the morning. A lot of stuff, actually, in the morning. But that was tomorrow's problem.

"I don't hate you. You just worry me sick..." Ragatha replied, as she shifted to pillow her arms under her head, resting on Jax's steady chest. "If you just... Talked more. Every night could be like this... You shouldn't need alcohol to just be able to speak your mind." She told him, but she was unsure if any of this information was getting to him.

He blinked at her, now looking down. He frowned a little, before looking away.

"I like.. uh.. all of you guys..." He confessed. "I don't know why I can't just... ... Talk. It's hard. I just... think you're all going to hate me."

"I don't hate you." Ragatha said, softly. "I'm sorry Ribbit said that they hated you. I'm sorry I said I hated you before. I'm really, really, sorry, Jax."

Jax let her words linger there, between her. Although much to her alarm, she watched as his eyes welled up to tears.

Ah shit— she hadn't exactly meant that!!! She forgot he was drunk!!!

"Sorry —!!!" She said, desperately, now sitting up frantically. "Sorry. Sorry, Jax. I didn't mean to—"

Jax just covered his face with a pillow with a quickness.

"Shut up." He said, muffled, although she heard his voice crack under the pillow. Her heart broke at how sad he sounded, and despite everything, his clutch on her arm only tightened. "I don't like this. I don't like any of you trying to get me. Especially if it just makes me feel like *hiccup* this."

Ragatha continued to stammer aggressively, before braving herself... She pulled the pillow off her very wasted friend, wiping away the tears on his face with her palm. The action seemed to startle him, but she found Jax leaning his head into her palm... He sniffled... He felt incredibly warm to her touch. What a crybaby when drunk... She tsk'd softly.

Jax was a very emotional person. That was a good thing. It just meant he felt thing strongly.

"I'm sorry." She said again.

The poor rabbit looked up at her, nodding slowly, before closing his sad eyes. "....I'm sorry too.," He spoke, almost like he had to force himself.

Ragatha leaned forward, pressing the softest of kisses to his cheek, before looking at Pomni... Who was blissfully unaware of everything happening. She kissed her cheek too, before settling back down quietly.

...

Ragatha felt lighter than she had before tonight... It felt nice.

Rather if Jax remembered or not tomorrow, she knew the truth.

...

———

The three snuggled up to each other— and when morning came, they were a tangle of legs and arms, all incredibly warm and comfortable... as the morning light caused a certain early bird to stir and...

He covered his mouth with his palm.
Oh God.

He practically jumped out of everyone's hold, sprinting to the bathroom at mach speeds, causing the other two girls to sit up sleepily in confusion, before Pomni seemed to register what was happening.

Ahh...

He was definitely hungover. By like, A lot.

....

Evident by the sounds of him throwing up in the bathroom, Pomni was the second to get out of bed, slipping quickly and quietly into the bathroom to hold his hair out of his face and rub his back.

"Sorry —"' Pomni said, as she watched her friend simultaneously ride the waves of a hangover and a sickness from his side.

...

Eventually, all good, she helped him up and sat him on the lip of the tub, where he looked, for the lack of a better word; rough.

He blinked at her slowly, before rubbing his face with his palms, feeling a hot wash rag diligently placed to his temple to ground him.

"Sorry," Pomni said again, to the slow nod of Jax. Eventually he seemed to process reality, and held a palm to his mouth, just in case, as he talked.

"I feel... awful."

"Yeah.... Uhm. You were pretty drunk."

"My insides... want to be outside..."

Pomni chuckled slightly out of nervous habit, before carefully wiping him down, in similar fashion to how Jax had cleaned her a few days ago... Holding out his arms and making sure to get him nice and cleaned up.

Afterwards, she set the rag aside and carefully moved her hand to the side. She lifted his shirt, revealing the former wound. Now, it was healed, besides just black markings... Although she couldn't tell if they were trying to lighten or not.

She gently placed her palm there, causing Jax to shakily exhale at the touch. Eventually, she looked up at the sound.

"Sorry." She apologized. Jax shrugged quietly, before Pomni reached up to gently hold his face into her hands, which he rested into her cool feeling palms. She leaned forward and placed a kiss on his forehead, before helping him stand. It was with incredible difficulty, but with Pomni's strong arms, she managed to help him along.

He practically fell into the bed as he returned, face down, groaning loudly for a while, before falling into complete silence.

Ragatha and Pomni exchanged looks.

Chapter Text

(Hello, this is a temporary chapter!

I am moving in a few days, so there will be a slight delay in chapters! I'll try to update between here and then!

As for you all, I have a couple questions and whatnots.

For this fic, I have planned more "spicy" scenes. In order to keep these in, I can either change the rating of the fic, or make a separate fic that continues from this one. What do you all think?

Additionally, I would love to hear some feedback on what you want from this story, because it can go in three ways that I have planned...

Hurt and very little comfort, or alternatively Hurt and Comfort/Fluff, or a third option: I just write these nerds being happy.

Thank you all for reading, I'll try and update soon but I unfortunately this will most likely take all my time that I use to write.)

Chapter Text

After Gangle and Zooble parted their goodbyes later in the afternoon. With Zooble promising to visit soon thereafter to check on their dysfunctional functional polycule soon and... Jax.

Speaking of whom; Ragatha diligently took care of their disheveled shared jax-toy, carefully letting his hair back like the poor pet he was to both of them.

"Kill me." He pleaded, causing Pomni nearby to snort some and stir from her doom scrolling on her phone— leaning against the wall to reserve space on the bed between the three of them. She leaned forward; now resembling a bit of a frog.

"It's just a hangover."

"It's just a hangover!" Jax mimiced with his hand, like a sad sock puppet.

Pomni mimiced the action, to reply: "my name's Jax, I'm a baby." She joked, causing Ragatha to snort and giggle some at the antics.

She put down Pomni's hand with a softness. "Don't be mean," she teased her, causing Pomni to playfully stick out her tongue, before reclining more so she was in Jax's face.

He blinked at the sudden closeness, suddenly avoiding eye contact as their noses practically touched. Instinctively, he smiled out of a nervous habit. She watched as one of his eyebrows gave a slight twitch.

She was tempted to tease him, but instead questioned: "do you want a hamburger with salty fries and a coke?"

...

"God.. yes." He answered, giving a resolute thumbs up in the air.

Pomni gave a nod, before looking a Jax and Ragatha.

"Mind if I take your car?" Pomni asked. Jax shrugged, although looked a bit hesitant.

"Just don't drive away." He warned.

"I'll do what I wa— okay, okay. I'm sorry." Pomni had started to declare, only to met with two pointed glares from both parties. She then scooted her way out of the bed, leaving Ragatha and Jax to their devices.

"Can you guys promise me you won't kill eachother???"

"No guarantees." Said Jax, smiling innocently.

"Jax!" Ragatha scolded, firmly, before looking back at Pomni and nodding. "I promise, he's in good hands." She swore.

"In good hands ay'~ —? Ow." He started, before he was promptly hit with a pillow... Per usual. From who, was hard to say.

The poor rabbit never really got far in his advances to flirt with either of them before getting either hit or smothered with a pillow.

Pomni then dusted her hands in satisfaction, before turning away and picking up the keys off the nightstand.

"I'll be right back." She promised both of them, before slipping out the door.

---

Pomni valued her independence. She always had. She supposed that was one thing she could always count on regarding herself.

If no one else was there for her, she could be for herself.

She popped a hot fry in her mouth as she drove down the winding road; deep in thought about everything and everyone. Mostly herself and the annoying question that seemed to torment her whenever she was alone for too long?

...

Did she just live here? At Ragatha's? Or did she go off to college like she always wanted to. Did she try and pick up a regular job after this?... Especially whenever any job just reminded her of the hell she escaped from.

Hell, even getting fast food felt like a nightmare now... She was just reminded of all the strange adventures they had been on that we're almost regular job simulators sometime.

She reached over and pressed a straw to her lips, staring ahead as the familiar unsettling feelings lingered over her shoulder.

God, what was she supposed to do???

She stopped at a stop sign... Dropping her head on the steering wheel; deep in thought.

It's not like she had money for school... God— was she a girl-failure?! She couldn't rely on Jax and Ragatha forever... She's just burden them.

She groaned loudly, before turning up the music to drown out her particularly droning thoughts to one of Jax's emo CD's of something.

. . .

Breaking Benjamin?! God how much of a Halo nerd was this guy. [A/N: I hate authors notes, I sincerely apologize. But, for context, this band performed a song in the video game franchise, Halo, which was popular around 2007-2008 especially.] She reminded herself to make sure to get him up to speed with new games.

For some reason, that was the thought that settled Pomni's twisting and turning mind. Just... The thought of spending more time with her closest friends... That didn't seem so bad.

———

Pomni walked in with a bag of food in her hands, as she clambered up the stairs with the food and drinks.

"Hey they didn't have regular coke for whatever dumb reason so I got you di— WOAhhhH HEY." Pomni had started to stay, as she pushed the door open with her foot, only to swiftly turn around at the sight that greeted her.

Ragatha was straddled on Jax's chest, neatly, leaned forward, however at this moment, Pomni startled her to sit up, and frantically wave her hands.

"It's not what it looks like I'm just doing his eyeliner!!" The doll tried to frantically explain.

Pomni gave a good stop, before turning her head around and clearing her throat. "Right."
,,,,

Jax snorted underneath Ragatha, before suddenly laughing full heartedly; throwing his head back at the scenario. Unfortunately, he had a sweet laugh. It wasn't hard to melt at the sound of it. Pomni hated how smitten she was with such an asshole.

From the door, Pomni could see that Ragatha indeed had started to do his make-up. Two long cat eyes lined his eyes, and in Ragatha's hand was eyeliner. Nearby was a thing of lipstick.

Pomni slowly walked over as Jax continued to lose his shit about how funny it was that she thought they were making out. Eventually, she just tossed a hamburger at him, causing him to shut up and sit up—

Causing Ragatha to practically topple over into Pomni, which she saved Ragatha from meeting a mattressy doom.

Apparently, a hamburger was all Jax had wanted, as he feraly scarfed it down.

Pomni started to munch on her fries, all whilst still holding a frazzled Ragatha in her arm. She handed her a fry as she addressed the elephant in the room.

"Why were you doing his makeup?" She asked, genuinely.

"I lost a bet." Jax lied between big bites.

...

She was really glad he was eating again!!!

Ragatha recovered some as she nibbled on a fry, leaning back into Pomni now. She spoke; "we were talking about something along the lines of makeup... I asked him if he would like make-up and he actually didn't kind of fight it so..." She said.

...

Jax blinked at the two of them. Burger in hand, winged eyeliner on his face, and a genuine smile on his lips as he stared at both of the people that meant everything to him right about now.
...

It seemed like they were heading in the right direction after all.
...

"What. Why are you two staring. Stop that—.. . Seriously... Guys— ... Guys — you're like freaking me out here."

Pomni had a feeling like everything really would be okay.

"Jax, did you know they made more Halo games?"

"THEY DID WHAT?!"

Yeah. It would be alright.