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Chapter Text

The Amazing Digital Circus

Bedtime Stories

Yawn.

Why the hell was he so tired?

How could he even be tired?

They technically didn’t need sleep, yet here he was, somehow feeling some sort of consequences for staying up the past several days.

He wandered around the halls in boredom, a sly grin appearing on his face when he spotted Kinger and Gangle building another one of the King’s crazy forts.

Oh, it was just too easy.

Before long he had sauntered over, kicking it down as the two other inhabitants yelped in distress.

“My kingdom!” Kinger twitched as he started to rebuild, body vibrating with speed as he scrambled for pillow after pillow.

Gangle shook angrily beside him, tears from her mask spilling over, “Come on, Jax, can’t you ever let him finish building one? You—“ She sniffed, “You’re so mean!”

He watched as Kinger frantically placed the pillows where he originally had them in some sort of obsessive pile, and Jax briefly chuckled but…

Now this was funny, but not as funny as Jax hoped it would be…

In fact, he was already bored again…

D$)$% it—his tricks were getting old—even to him—and he was extra annoyed when he let out another yawn.

“Are you—“ Gangle looked up in surprise, “Yawning? I didn’t know we could get tired—“

“I’m not tired,” He snapped at her, “Butt out of it—I can yawn as much as I want.”

He annoyingly let out another, mumbling under his breath at how interested Gangle seemed to be with it.

“Stop staring me down or I’ll break your tragedy mask next—“

“I—I’m sorry—“ She looked away, “You just…look tired. It’s…interesting. That it can even happen here…”

He crossed his arms in frustration, not sure why he hadn’t wandered off yet, “If you must know, you big crybaby, I haven’t had a break in days—I just shut my eyes and lay there. Nothing. And nothing I try will get me to sleep. No position. No digital drinks. Nothing…”

Kinger beamed with joy at his rebuilt creation and crawled right into it, Gangle happy to hear his happy little giggles as he built more things inside.

“Well uh—you know Jax—“ She tapped her ribbons together anxiously, “I’ve helped some of our other friends get to sleep before.”

He perked an ear at that. “ You did? How? Bore them to death with that anime you watch over and over again? No thanks. I think I’d abstract on sight—“

“No, not the uh—anime—“ She avoided his gaze, “Well I could—I could read to you?”

He let out a loud laugh, “Read to me? Do I look like I’m five? You’ve gotta be kidding with me, sad face. If you think I’m that desperate just to sleep for a few hours, you need to get your ribbons snipped.”

She gasped at that, “Don’t say things like that! That might kill me—!”

“Eh—having me cut you into pieces might be better than abstracting.” He snickered, “Hell Maybe you’d even like it.”

Her mask reddened and she clenched her ribbony fists. “Ooh, I hate you—stay awake for ten more days for all I care! Kinger, I’m coming in—!”

“Kay! Kay!”

She crawled into the fort with angry mumbles and a few sobs, Jax giving it another kick down before wandering back off.

He heard their yells of distress a second time, but just like before, it wasn’t very satisfying…

Eugh.

He needed new tricks…

And apparently…he also needed sleep.

I could read to you..

He shook Gangle’s offer out of his head.

Reading.

F%#£ that.

He didn’t need her.

He didn’t need anybody.

He usually helped himself anyway, so tonight wouldn’t be any different. He whistled as he walked down the hall, wondering just who he could prank next.

***

The Circus

Night 

He’d been laying there for hours—bored—so fu%#£> boreddd.

I could read to you—

“Shut up—“ He mouthed at a Gangle that wasn’t there—tossing and turning in his bed.

Why would she even offer to help him anyway? He broke her stuff and bullied her—and he’d do it again and again just to have a laugh. So—

Why’d she have to offer— something nice?

Before long he couldn’t take it anymore—couldn’t take just lying there—and up he went, barreling into the empty halls with angry breaths.

What if she said no?

He stopped in his tracks, wracking his brain for what made him think he needed permission.

Permission? From Gangle?

No way.

He’d demand she help him. Yeah—yeah that sounded more like him. 

Asking?

Asking? Puhleassseee—

He went right up to her room and knocked as fast and loud as he could, so absorbed with fatigue and rage he completely forgot he could break in himself.

He tapped his foot impatiently until she finally opened the door, her tragedy eyes widening in surprise to see him there.

“Jax? Did you actually… knock?”

“Forget about that—listen—“ He leaned in, “I’ve decided to do you—“ He booped her mask, “A favor—out of the kindness of my nonexistent heart.”

A suspicious squint from her. “Go on…”

“Well, Sweetie pie,” He wiggled his brows, “ I’m going to let you read me to sleep. You’re wel—“

The door slammed in his face.

“—come…”

He blinked.

Okay.

Rude.

He dug around in his pockets for his keys.

If she was going to be difficult, he’d be difficult too. He inserted the key, wiggling it in alarm when it didn’t work.

A smirk from the other side, “Having trouble, Jax-?”

He ripped it out angrily, “Trouble? What the f%#& did you do to my key to your room, you bi%#% pile of Ribbons—!”

“I had Caine change my lock!” He heard her mock, “So until you steal more keys, I get to lock you out—!”

“What? How’d you even get him to do that?” He snarled, “Flash some string at him?!”

“That’s none of your sorry business!”

“Why you little—“ He kicked her door in frustration, “You just watch then! You’re going to do what I say, Gangle!”

“Maybe if you ask nicely,” She said from behind the door, “I’ll help you go to sleep—“

“If you think I’m going to beg a pathetic crying pile of ribbons, you’re sadly mistaken—I hope you unravel—!” He kicked the door again, “And since when do you sass me like that? You usually just cry! What gives?”

“Ragatha and Zooble are teaching me to be more assertive,” She sounded like she was enjoying this, “So consider yourself asserted! Goodnight!”

“Hey—! Wait—! You—!”

But she didn’t answer him again, Jax storming back to his room with a growing rage.

He hated boredom—he hated Caine’s games—but something he hated even more than that was being made a fool—and Gangle of all people wasn’t about to be the one to do it.

He’d get his way.

He charged back into his room, fuming.

Oh, you’ll help me out, you sorry pile of ribbons—just you wait!

***

The Next Day

Today Caine was forcing them to do a scavenger hunt—Jax searching for shiny trinkets underneath a table in some random a&$ room.

Find the shinies… that loon was totally running out of ideas. He felt something in his palm and yanked it out, staring at a shining chess piece in disgust. 

Great.

He found one.

Woo….

Only—many left to go…

He shoved it in his pocket, staring at Gangle as she entered the same room.

She whimpered at the sight of him and left.

Oh, hell yeah.

Back to normal.

“Ohhh, Gangleee!!!”

He followed her nervous self through the hallways as she wandered into one of their entertainment rooms, the pile of ribbons trying to ignore him as she searched through cushions and cabinets.

He leaned against a poorly looking pool table. “Sooooo, reconsider my glorious offer, baby cakes?”

She looked ready to cry, “Uh—no. I don’t want to help you anymore. B-But I’m sorry I slammed the door in your face—that made me feel kinda mean—“

He smirked at that as he watched her dig around for one of the shinies. She was wary of him as she approached the pool table, digging into one of the shoots with anxious glances. She pulled out what looked like a shiny little horse figurine.

Jax snatched it before she got a proper look at it, “Wow, Gangle! You found one—“ He pocketed it slyly, “That gives us two for our team.”

“T-team? Oh. Oh no—“ She shook her head, “No—I don’t want to be on your team. Give mine back—“

“Or else what?” He mocked, “You gonna scream for Ragatha? You’re supposed to be assertive by yourself now, right? Or. What?”

She looked up at him, unsure of what to say. “Fine…” She spoke softly, “I guess we can be a team…”

He grinned widely, “That’s more like it—not so high and mighty without a door inbetween us, are ya?”

She shyly eyed the floor, “Let’s just find more shinies…okay?”

“Sure thinggg,” He flicked her mask, “Teammmate.”

They carried on into the main room, checking behind the curtains and Underneath the other circus-like scenery.

“Look, Gangle,” Jax waved a small looking thimble, “Now we have three.”

Gangle watched him pocket it, “How do I know you won’t take credit for all of those when Caine says the game is over?”

A smirk as he bent to sneer at her, “You don’t. But maybe, if you reconsider my totally reasonable offer, I’ll let you take credit for all three of them.”

Gangle frowned at him, “I don’t care about it that badly. Think of something I’ll actually want.”

“Oh?” He mused, “So you’re willing to make a deal then, are you? Are you sure? Because a deal with me,” A more sinister grin on his face, “May as well be a deal with the f%#€^n Devil.”

She swallowed at that, fumbling with some of her ribbons. “Y-yes, I’m sure. What—did you have in mind? If I help you get some sleep, what will I get?”

“Hmmmm. What can I offer you—let’s seeeee,”Jax bent down closer to her height, right in her face, “How bout a kiss?—ow!”

He stood back up and rubbed his cheek in surprise, “Did you just slap me???”

Even Gangle eyed her ribbon hand in alarm, “I—I’m sorry—I don’t know why I did that but—“ Her mask was turning pink, “That is not at all what I want—“

“Okay, geez, I was obviously kidding,” He grumbled at the soreness in his face, “What about—oh. I got a real one,” He grinned, “You read to me tonight, and I’ll go a whole week of not breaking your comedy mask—in fact, I won’t break any of your masks. Huh? That sound fair?”

“Wow. A whole week?” Gangle stared off dreamily, “You must really really want to sleep, Jax.”

“Well—“ He scoffed, “As superior and humorous as my thoughts are, even I need a break. So—sure. Whatever. I guess I do really want to…”

“That’s understandable,” She said.

“But you can’t tell anyone about this, okay?” He pointed, “Nothing. Zip. Zilch. This reading thing is between you and me. Unlike you, I have a reputation to uphold.”

“Aw, Jax, I wouldn’t tell anyone anyway. Honest.”

“Sure. Whatever, so do we have a deal?”

Gangle started suspiciously at his outstretched hand. “You’re not going to push me, are you?”

He rolled his eyes, hand still out, “Do we have a deal or not?”

She tapped her ribbons together and bit her lip, soon enough shaking his hand with a quiet, “Deal.”

“Cool,” He smirked, “Now hand that over.”

She sighed as she revealed another shiny trinket—this one a cat figurine—and handed it to Jax, who pocketed it with the rest of his jingling collection.

A loud gong rang, and the others flashed back to the main room, everyone grumbling at being zapped back again.

“Alright everyone!” Caine hovered above, “Everyone show me how many shinies you found! Anyone find just one?”

“Ooh! Me! Me!” Kinger held one up proudly. 

He actually was holding up an empty hand, but Caine nodded as if he really held one, “Yep—okay! Good Job Kinger! Please tell me someone has two so I don’t have to make this awkward.”

Zooble groaned and held up two of them. “There. The game over yet?”

“Notttt yet!” He floated over and snatched it with a hearty grab, “Three? Do I hear three?!”

“We have three!” Ragatha answered for her and Pomni, “Show him, Pom.”

Pomni dug in her own pockets and held out three, Caine floating over with excited grabby hands. “Oh ho ho, a team up with the newbie, Ragatha? Well done!”

He poofed away giddily and hovered about, “Now do I hear four?! Going once—going twice—“

“I Got four right here, Caine,” Jax held them up smugly.

Gangle stood beside him anxiously, as if waiting for something.

Oh right.

That.

He rolled his eyes, “I mean me and Gangle have four. Read em and weep!”

Caine teleported over and snatched them, looking them over with his denture eyes and a curious blink, “Well, you two are unlikely—but nevertheless—!” He poofed all the shinies away, “You two are the winners! And you’ve just won,” He vibrated crazily and shoved a box of all the figurines into Jax’s arms, “All the shinies! Woo! Woo! Let’s cheer for our winners!”

“Gee, just what I wanted,” Jax groaned sarcastically, “A box of stupid figures…”

“Yep!” Caine slapped him hard on the back, “Good luck dividing those bad boys up, you two! Now,” He started to vanish, “See you guys later!”

Poof!

Everyone groaned as soon as he left, Jax shoving the box into Gangle’s nervous arms, “Here. You can have them.”

“R-really?” She squeaked.

“Yeah, that prize is lame. Either Caine’s getting real lazy or he’s glitching out.” He huffed, “Or he’s saving a real insane adventure for us tomorrow. Both options annoy me…so yeah. You can take those. Only an idiot would want them.”

“Well, I want them.”

He blinked.

Gangle blinked as well, “Oh.”

“Hey, you said it,” He grinned sneakily, “Not me.” He started to wander off, “See you later,” He winked, “In my room. Kay?”

“Um—“ She struggled to hold onto the box, “Okay?”

She watched him until he had vanished into the halls, Gangle dropping the box onto the floor with a tiny sobby groan. “Ohhh, of course I dropped them…”

She started to put them back in the box, thankful when Ragatha showed up to help her put them back in. 

She even picked up the box for her, “Don’t worry, Gangle. I’ll help you. Figured he wouldn’t.”

Gangle smiled a little, even with the Tragedy mask, “Thank you, Ragatha. It was heavier than I thought.”

“That’s okay. I’ll walk it for you. See you later, Pomni!”

Gangle followed her friend down into the halls, eyeing the rooms nervously until they got to hers.

She especially eyed Jax’s door.

“I heard what he said to you.”

“Huh? What?”

“Jax, I heard what he said.” Ragatha carried the box inside as Gangle followed, and set her new trinkets onto the bed. “He told you to meet you in his room. What for?”

“Oh. That…”

“If he‘s being disgusting,” She rolled up her sleeves and cracked her dolly knuckles “Just say the word. I’ll get him.”

“Oh no—no. Um.”

She did promise not to tell.

“I’m going to help him clean his room.”

A blink of surprise from the ragdoll. “What? Why would you do that? He’s never nice to you.”

“I don’t know…when he asked I thought…maybe it would help us get along better…if I helped. I guess.”

“You do realize it’s probably a sick prank, right?” She noted, “You’re going to go in there and probably get something dumped on you.”

“Oh. I know. Just. Curious to see how it goes?”

Ragatha squinted, catching the falter in her friend's voice. “Well. Okay. If you say it’s fine, I’ll drop it.”

“Thanks, Ragatha.”

“Just be careful when you’re helping him clean. If it’s cleaning. Remember what we told you about being more assertive.”

“I’ll try.”

“Good.” The Ragdoll smiled at her. “See you later—I’m going to go show Pomni more of the extra rooms so she doesn’t get so lost.”

“Alright. Thanks again…”

Ragatha left her, Gangle now by herself in her room. It was full of her own anime things and drawings, Gangle eyeing the new figurines from the adventure.

She smiled and picked a few of them up to decorate with, “Don’t worry, Shinies, I don’t think you’re lame…”

***

Nighttime 

Gangle shuffled through the empty halls anxiously, carrying a few books in her ribbon arms as she crept closer to Jax’s door.

Oh man, what if Ragatha was right?

What if there was no deal and he was gonna snip her into pieces?  

For a split second she thought about running, but instead she tapped at the door with her free arm, standing by the door with shaking legs.

She squeaked when the door flung open.

“Well, well, Ribbons,” Jax peered down at her, “Looks like you do want to make a deal with the devil.” He took her arm roughly and pulled, “Come on innnn!”

She “eeped!” When he yanked her in, feeling a deep pit in her stomach when he shut the door behind them.

She was here—in Jax’s room—with just him—alone.

Oh boy…

Gangle looked around briefly, the room pretty much how she expected. Some random magazines and comic books messily thrown about a bookshelf, a couch off to the side—of course his bed—a box full of prank gear—and—huh. 

A rack with several pairs of overalls just like the ones he already wore.

“You have more of them?” She asked.

“Yeah. Guess so,” he pushed past her and plopped down onto his bed, scooting over and giving the spot next to him a little pat.

She didn’t like that.

She gulped, “I think I’m gonna throw up.”

“Don’t be such a baby.” He patted the spot again,  “Come ‘ere. I’m not gonna bite ya— at least not today.”

She crept over towards the bed and cautiously sat beside him, laying out a few of the books she brought.

They weren’t very large and seemed to have lots of pictures.

“Hey,” He huffed, “Those books are for kids. What gives?”

“Are you going to stay awake long enough for an adult book?”

“If it’s a hot adult book, I would. Got any of those?”

She scowled, “I thought you wanted one to help you sleep. Take it or leave it.”

He rolled his eyes and leaned in to look them over, grabbing a fantasy—looking story with one of his signature scoffs. “There. I’ve picked one,” He leaned back onto his arms and pillow and shut his eyes, “Show me how great you are at putting people to sleep.”

She sat on the other side of the bed nervously, opening up the book with an anxious breath. “Okay. And remember what you promised,” Gangle insisted, “No mask breaking for a week.”

“Yeah, yeah. Just get to it, Mother Goose.”

She flipped to the first page, and began to read, “Today was the first day of my magic lessons—the first day as an apprentice to the greatest Wizard in the land—And yet…I never expected everything to go so wrong…”

***

Morning (Or whatever counts as morning in this place)

Eugh.

Jax woke up with a groan, rubbing his eyes sleepily as he found himself sprawled starfish style across his bed.

D%#€— he sure was out.

He sat up in surprise.

Out.

As in asleep.

Oh my God he had fallen asleep.

And the last thing he remembered was…Gangle…

Gangle was reading about some…magical kid and…a wizard and…a dark Lord or another…

He recalled…not entirely hating it…for a book that was for kids…

F%#^#^!££—- he didn’t hate it and she actually did get him to sleep—

Oh hell—

It actually worked.

Gangle’s dumb reading actually…helped him sleep.

He took a breath as he eyed the spot on his bed where she had been sitting—where she no longer was.

He ran a palm across the blankets.

Gangle…reading to him…putting him to sleep.

Her voice so…weirdly soothing…

It was so outlandish of an idea—so outlandish that it actually worked…and now, Jax didn’t know what to do about it—didn’t know how to feel about it.

But he did know one thing.

He had to try that again.

Chapter Text

Bedtime Stories 

Chapter Two: A Bubble’s Bath

Later that same crazy Day:

For some hellish reason Caine decided their adventure of the day was to play a giant group game of Twister— and so far all of them were all tangled up in the most uncomfortable positions.

Not to mention, Kinger was the one calling the colors so who even knew if he was calling them right.

Sure as hell didn’t seem like it.

He flicked the card again giddily, shouting, “Right foot to blue!”

A collective groan as everyone rammed into each other and stretched out their entwining limbs.

“Jax—!” Zooble hissed, “You kicked me in the leg again you piece of f€%<—!”

“Maybe if you weren’t such a fat cube,” He sneered at her, “You wouldn’t be in the way of my wonderful kicks—“

“Oh you *BONK CLANK ROAR CRASH*”

“Maybe—“ Pomni struggled underneath them, “Maybe we can—just try to get this done without—yelling at each other?”

“ Or hitting people in the face,” Ragatha scolded, “Jax—“

“Ohhh mannn,” Gangle sniffed as she moved about, “I think I’m tangled in somebody…I’m so sorry—“

“That’s me, sweet cheeks.” Jax winked, “Kinda tight around my waist there but it’s all good~~”

“Ehhhhhh, oh noooo” Gangle whined, “Kinger, please call another color.”

Our favorite chess piece smacked at the card again, “Left arm red!”

Another group groan as their limbs smacked into one another.

“Please—“ Pomni begged, “How long do we have to play this—? I can’t—stretch anymore—“

“I think Jax just strummed me,” Gangle whimpered, “Can someone tell him to stop?”

“Jax—!” Ragatha struggled from the stretching, “Stop bullying her—we’re trying to work together—!”

“Hey,” He hissed back, “I’m just trying to get her off me— I’m the one she’s tying up like some sort of freak—-“

“Oh noooo,” Gangle let out a gagging noise, “I’m gonna throw up—-where’s Bubble?”

“Don’t throw up yet, Gangle,” Zooble scowled at the Rabbit who kept stepping on her, “If you could just squeeze that jerk tight enough to kill him—“

“Why don’t you kill me yourself,” Jax crawled out of Gangle’s winding body, “You ugly pimply b<^%?”

“That’s it—!”

Zooble ripped away from the circles and tackled him, Jax letting out choking sounds as they strangled him right on the pad, everyone else collapsing out of their spots in a pile of failure.

Kinger flicked the pad, “Left foot orange!” And kept on doing it as Jax and Zooble wrestled on the poor mat.

“Right hand on red!”

An “oof—!” As Zooble slammed the Rabbit into the floor, “You wanna play dirty, you f%#<?” She snarled and held up a fist, “Let’s play—!”

A finger snap made the game disappear and zapped them all back into line, Caine and Bubble poofing up above after the fray.

“Well—looks like nobody won that game—“ Caine laughed awkwardly, “Terribbbleee team building ! Wah! Wah! Wah! Isn’t that right, Bubble?”

Bubble let out a silly snicker, “Terrrrrible, Caine—just terrible. I GUESS I HAVE TO EAT THEM—“

Pop!

Caine dusted off his shoulder pads after popping them for probably the 800th time, “Freak—anyway—since nobody won—you all get chores—“

Group grumbling.

Caine clapped his hands and a binder appeared, the pair of dentures flipping through it like a disappointed mother, “Nowww, let’s see—You each will need a partner—!”

Gangle “eeped!” when Jax grabbed her.

The Rabbit grinned, “Dibs on crybaby!”

Grumbles of “quit bothering her,” went into the air but Jax ignored them.

They had something to talk about—about that reading—and this was the perfect way to do it without those other clowns eavesdropping.

“Gangle,” Caine asked, “Are you fine with partnering with Jax again?”

She shook anxiously, “Ummm—I guess it’s okay.”

“Alrighty! Everyone else pick a team!”

This time Zooble went with Pomni, and Ragatha went with Kinger, the chess piece vibrating up a storm until she pat his shoulder. 

“Don’t worry, Kinger,” Ragatha soothed, “I’m sure Gangle will be fine.”

Gangle, however, wasn’t entirely sure, still nervous about the hold Jax still had in her ribboned arm.

“Alright, my horrible little heathens—“ Caine flipped again through the page, “Let’s seeee—aha—! Zooble and Pomni, you two will clean the Gloink Queen’s room—“

Loud groans.

“Maybe next time you’ll think about that before you strangle your teammates, Zooble—next we have Kinger and Ragatha—“ He flipped through the pages, “Let’s see, let’s see— ooh! You two can iron out entrance curtains.”

“But—“ Ragatha stared up at them, “Do they even come off the wall??”

“Nope!” He chuckled, “So uhhh, have fun with that—!”

Kinger and Ragatha headed for the curtain, Caine floating closer to Jax and Gangle as he flipped through his book of tricks. “Hmm—okay—no not horrible enough—but that one’s too horrible—okay, give me one second—“

“Jaxxx,” She whispered, “Why did you pick me again?”

“Hm?”

“As your teammate. What do you want?”

“I was just thinking—“ Jax leaned down and whispered too, “About last night.”

A whimper, “Why? What about it? Did you not actually sleep? If not, I—I’m sorry—“

“No—no it—“ He made sure Caine still wasn’t listening. “It did work.”

She beamed proudly, “Oh. Well. Good.”

“I want—“ Ugh why was this so difficult, “I want to try it again.”

Her smile turned back to a frown. “Ohhhh. I don’t know…sneaking into your room makes me want to abstract….”

“I could come to yours—“

“You can’t sleep in my room—!”

“Shh—!”

Jax clapped a hand over her mouth, Caine staring them down with suspicious eyes. “Do you two uh—have something to share?”

Jax let her go, Gangle a shaking mess.

“Nah, just trying to figure out what job you’re gonna give us.”

A squint from the pair of dentures, “Okayyyy, if you sayyyy so—“ He flipped through more pages, “Ah! Here we go! Finalllyyy! I want you two— to give Bubble a bath.”

Jax about choked, “I’m sorry???”

“Yeahhh,” Caine shut the book, “He’s been kinda rank lately—“

“You popped him.” Jax argued. “Where are we supposed to find him and where the hell are we supposed to f%#<>< bathe him??? Also he’s a Bubble??? You have to bathe a bubble???”

Caine snapped his finger and Bubble reappeared, the ringleader tossing Gangle the handle to a leash.

Bubble was attached to it, flying in circles, “Yayyy!!! Bath time! Bath time!”

“I-is Bubble a pet or—?” Gangle swallowed, “A person like us? Because the leash is kinda uh—please answer that.”

“Hmm,” Caine blinked, “You know—I don’t know what he is—Pretty sure he’s like me—I just know he likes the leash. So have fun with it. Give it a yank when he’s being difficult and you’ll be alright. He likes it.”

She held the handle with a horrified whimper. “Okayyyyyy. Greatttt.”

Jax stared up at Bubble’s giddy hovering, “Dear God—and he calls us freaky…”

“Alrighty! There’s a bath justttt down that hall. Make sure he’s squeaky squeaky clean! Bye, Bye!”

He poofed away, Jax and Gangle standing there in traumatized horror as Bubble flew about above them.

“And I thought abstractions were terrifying,” The Rabbit shuddered, “Okay Bubble—let’s give your sorry a%# a bath—“

“Bath?!” Bubble vibrated excitedly, “BATHHH!!!”

Gangle screamed as Bubble took off into the halls, Gangle dragged away with him as he flew off at top speeds.

“Jaaaaxxx!”

“Oh noooo,” Jax entered the hall as slowly as possible, “Gangle’s been dragged off by the crazy Bubble,” He walked even slower, “Whatever shall I do?”

Hehehe.

Although…maybe letting her get thrashed around by Bubble wouldn’t go in his favor if he wanted another story…

Another scream from her was followed by a happy yip from Bubble.

Eughhh. 

If he wanted to get what he wanted…he had to—*gag* actually help. 

Jax rolled his eyes and picked up speed. “Okay— fine— hold on, Gangle! I’m coming—!”

***

Gangle and Jax were back in the main hall, both sitting on a random bench, soaking wet, Bubble flying above them with clean little sparkles.

Gangle’s eye twitched.

Jax was the one holding the leash this time, staring off into a void, “If anyone asks,” He shuddered, “ That,” He pointed at Bubble’s sparkling form, “Never happened.”

Gangle nodded frantically, both jumping when Caine poofed into their faces.

“Good job you two! I’ve never seen him so sparkly—!”

Jax tossed the leash at him, “Just take him—just take that—that thing out of here.”

Gangle covered her eyes with a whimper as Caine zapped away the leash, Bubble floating next to him freely.

“Aww, you’re not so horrible when you’re cleaned up, are ya Bubble?”

He responded to Caine with a lick.

“Ew! Nevermind! Get BACK—! You demon!”

Bubble gave him space, tongue still out, Caine eyeing his two victims—I mean guests—with his usual giddy eyes, “Again, great job on your chore! You two are good to go! Come on you freakish parasite,” He said to Bubble, “Let’s get something to eat!”

They finally poofed away, Jax throwing himself on the floor in exhaustion. “I hate that stupid f%#<>% Bubble—I didn’t even know he had so many crevices—“

“Don’t—“ Gangle quivered on the bench, “Remind me—please.”

In the far distance of the main room they saw Ragatha and Kinger climbing up the curtains with the smallest irons known to man.

Ragatha was actually ironing—Kinger was just—kinda dangling—staring at the iron intensely like it was his long lost brother. 

They heard curses from Zooble from the Gloink hole nearby, Jax finally climbing back up onto his feet. “Well, with everyone else still occupied,” He sat back down beside Gangle, “We can finish our talk.”

“Ohhh mannn, I don’t know, Jax—I don’t mind helping you, but sneaking around freaks me out—“

“It’s just stories,” He insisted, “Besides, even if you do get caught walking into my room, who would think anything bad of you anyway?”

She shook a little less, “That—that’s true. I’m not a very sneaky person…”

“Right?” He put an arm around her, both still partially soaked from wrestling Bubble in the bath, “Nobody would even care—and if I wind up in your room, they’ll just assume I pranked you.”

She tapped her ribbons together. “Hmm. I guess that’s true. What do I get in return?”

“What?”

“I—I want another deal.” She said, “I’m not doing it for free—and you’re not going to weasel me into it. I’m—p-putting my foot down.”

“This that assertive bullsh%# again?”

“Mhm.”

An eye roll, “Okay. Fine.” He rubbed his chin, “What do you want this time? I can’t think of anything else to give you.”

She scooted a bit closer without realizing it, feeling the warmth of his arm, “Um—well—m—maybe—“

“Come on, I don’t have all day.”

Though, he did want another deal.

“Um—“ She briefly looked at him before looking back at the floor, “Fix my mask.”

“What?”

“Glue it back together.”

“I already said I’d go a week without breaking it.”

“Yes, but it’s still broken from the last time—I want you to glue it back together before I come to your room—or no deal.”

A thump in Jax’s chest. “That sounds like a lot of work, Crybaby.”

“Take it,” She swatted his arm off, “Or leave it.”

His normal reaction would be to push her or laugh at her but…

He couldn’t get what he wanted that way—he was that aware, at least.

He answered with gritted teeth, “Fine. Deal. But you,” He jabbed the top of her mask, “Have to bring it to me. Not like I can go to your room anymore anyway…”

“Okay. That’s fine. I’ll go get it now.” She hopped off the bench, “And one more thing?”

“What now?”

She smirked, “You smell like a Bubble.”

He glared at her as she sauntered off, Jax mumbling under his breath as a tired Ragatha plopped down next to him, “Oh my—God—Kinger didn’t help at all but—“ She motioned towards the sparkling curtains, “It’s done. Ironed all the way to the top.”

Jax eyeballed the curtains, Kinger still dangling there with his widened eyes.

“Did you tell him you two were done?”

Ragatha huffed out in exhaustion, “I don’t remember. Just let him hang there if he wants…how was—“ She hacked, “Your chore—what did you two have to do?”

Jax held in a shudder. “Uh—we scrubbed some floors.”

A scoff, “Lucky—wish I had to just clean the floor. What were you and Gangle talking about?”

“Hm?”

“I know your faces, Jax,” She rubbed her sore arms, “Even from a distance I can tell when you’re plotting. What are you pranking her with this time?”

“I haven’t been pranking her recently.”

A squint, “I know— that’s what’s bothering me. I also don’t like that you made her help you clean your room.”

“What? Oh— yeah. That. Well, it’s sparkling now. She’s a great ,” He winked, “Housekeeper.”

She stared him down with a knowing glare, “Then you won’t mind if I come and see how well you two did on it? Last I checked your bookshelf was a disaster—“

“I don’t have to show you my bookshelf.” He snorted, “Why do you want to even see it? You actually think Gangle would lie to you?”

A silence passed as Ragatha’s brain whirred. “I don’t think she’d lie unless she promised to keep someone’s secret.” A more accusing scowl, “Do you have a secret Jax? Maybe you’re pretending to be nicer to Gangle so you can smack her with a monstrous prank later?”

He leaned in close with a wide grin, “Even if I am, why do you care? She’s an adult—she can hang out with whoever she wants— when she wants—“ A smug scoff, “In whatever position she wants—“

“Oh you piece of slime— don’t even joke about that.”

“Well regardless,” He huffed at her, “It’s none of your business if Gangle and I are getting along or plotting to kill each other.”

“Even with all your horrible pranks,” Ragatha jabbed his chest, “I thought you and I were at least friends to some extent—but today you’re really making me sick—you better not be doing anything that makes Gangle super uncomfortable or I swear you’ll be begging to abstract before I’m done with you—“

“That a promise,” He cooed, “Sweet cheeks?”

Her ragdoll face reddened, “Oh, sometimes I just want to strangle you—“

“You’ll have to get behind Zooble, but have at it—“

“Ugh! You’re such a jerk!”

She stormed off into the halls, Jax grinning slyly when she finally left him alone.

Pfft.

Bi%#¥.

Just like he told her.

His deals with Gangle weren’t her business.

he didn’t care if it bothered her or anybody else.

He could do what he wanted with who he wanted, and that was that.

All he had to do now, he groaned, was fix that stupid mask…

***

“Is that Gangle’s Comedy mask?”

Jax was staring at the broken pieces as he sat at one of their randomly placed tables, Pomni hovering beside him with curious eyes.

She asked again, “Why do you have that?”

“If you must know,” He reluctantly brought out the glue, “I—Eugh—I’m fixing it.”

“For Gangle???”

“No, for the fu%#<> tooth fairy, of course for Gangle.”

Pomni blinked and sat down next to him. “O-oh. Well, do you need help?”

“No, I have to do it myself or it won’t count.”

He didn’t like that he was gluing it back together where anyone could see him, but when he tried to glue it back together in the privacy of his room he couldn’t focus. So here he was, already caught as he struggled to place in some of the pieces.

Da%#— why were there so many?

“What—“ Pomni watched him work, “What made you want to fix it for her?”

Pleaseee, just shut upppp.

He sighed, “Let’s just say she did a favor for me—and now I’m doing one for her—because she wouldn’t do the favor I wanted unless I did something in return.”

“Oh, so you’re not doing this out of the kindness of your heart.”

“I don’t have one,” He glued a piece in, “Remember?”

“That’s more in character actually,” Pomni let out a sigh of relief, “I was actually scared you were losing your mind when I saw you doing something nice.”

A snicker from the Rabbit, “Fair enough—probably the only reason I’d help someone willingly is if I was about to abstract.”

“Why’d you pick her for your chore partner?”

He froze at that one, trying to unstick the two fingers he accidentally glued together, “What?”

“Well—you don’t seem to like her that much—why’d you pick her?”

He squinted, “Did Ragatha or Zooble send you in here to spy on me?”

“Oh! N-no!” She stuttered, “I was just—“ She watched him unstick his fingers, “I was just curious…”

He wasn’t sure if he believed her, but he came up with an answer anyway, “Gangle’s always good at chores. Didn’t you notice we finished first?”

“Oh,” She nodded, “Yeah, that makes sense I guess. You’d probably pick someone who would do most of the work…”

“Exactly. Now,” He held up the finished mask, “This look fixed?”

She raised a brow and tilted her head, “If Gangle wants to look deformed, then yes.”

He groaned in annoyance.

They usually had Caine fix it, but again, that wouldn’t count.

“You know Jax, you did already try doing it once yourself. I don’t think Gangle would be mad if you let me tell you where to place things.”

He set down the mask, looking over to her, “You’d…do that?”

“Sure! That’s what friends are for! If…if it’s okay for me to call you one…”

A bit of a warm feeling came to his stomach, but he quickly pushed it back down. “I uh—Alright, Pomni. We’ll do that. Uh—-“ He forced it out, “Thanks.”

“Of course! Now, if you switch that piece with that one,” she pointed, “I think you’ll be off to a brand new start…”

***

“Jax was even fixing her mask???”

Pomni nodded as she sat on the bed in Ragatha’s room, watching as the ragdoll picked up books and trinkets around her room. A nice looking sewing machine was sparkling clean a ways off, Ragatha just having dusted it.

Zooble was there too, lounging on an extra chair as they rubbed their triangle-faced chin, “He’a definitely up to something super mean,” Zooble concluded, “He’s never nice to her.”

“Well,” Pomni went on, “He did say they gave each other favors—so that could be why—“

“Jax returning a favor?” Zooble scoffed, “I don’t think so—unless—“

“Unless what?”

Ragatha dusted one more of her shelves, “Unless Gangle has something he really wants—but I can’t think of anything he’d want from her—they’re so vastly different.”

Pomni hummed, “We could ask Kinger what else she likes?”

“No, we don’t need to do that,” Ragatha sighed as she took a seat beside Pomni, “Besides, he’s rambling about bugs again and once he’s on the topic he’ll go on for hours,” 

Zooble tapped her chin a second time, “Dare I say it…maybe they’re finally getting along?”

Ragatha looked appalled at the idea, “No way—he’d probably abstract if he wasn’t able to bully her—it’s how he breathes! I’m surprised he even lasted a day without tormenting her in one way or another.”

“Well, the comedy mask turned out lovely,” Pomni smiled, “I think she’s going to like it at least…regardless of what he’s doing…”

“Man,” Zooble huffed, “If only one of us could sneak into Jax’s room and see what they’re actually doing—because cleaning his room? Please—“

Ragatha groaned. “Is that where they are now? I really hope not. I don’t like the idea of Gangle alone in there with him.”

“No, I don’t think she’s in there,” Zooble said, “But that doesn’t mean they won’t meet up again later…”

“He—“ Pomni blinked, “Wouldn't actually hurt her for real, would he? He can’t be that mean…can he? Doesn’t he just do pranks?”

“I mean…” Ragatha bit her lip as she thought, “He usually just picks on her. I—I don’t know. I probably know Jax the best out of all of us and…and even I don’t know how far he’d go for a laugh…”

“Oh my…”

Zooble got up and looked her over, seeming to measure Pomni with her arms, “You knowww, you could probably squeeze under his bed—“

“Zooble—!” Ragatha scolded, “We do not sneak into each other’s rooms!”

“Come on! Jax does it!”

“And we will not stoop to his level!”

An annoyed huff from Zooble, “Fineee— but if Gangle shows up to our next Caine adventure crying her little eyes out don’t say I didn’t warn you.” They headed for the door, “I’m going to go sleep—I need a break after cleaning the Gloink Queen’s nasty Sh&%.”

They exited Ragatha’s room, her and Jax locking eyes in the hallway as he passed by.

She spotted the comedy mask he tried to hide behind his back.

“I saw that,” She squinted. “Bringing it to Gangle?”

“‘Maybe I am—maybe I’m not,” Jax scoffed, “Maybe I’m going to break it again—maybe I’ll shove it up my a&$—it’s not your business. Is it?”

They crossed their arms, neither of them moving from where they stood.

“So what’s your deal anyway?” They accused, “Don’t tell me,” They added with a tease, “That you’re starting to like her—“

“You must be abstracting,” Jax said in disgust, “She just has something I want.”

“Which is?”

He mimicked zipping his lips with a sly little smirk.

“You know, we’re used to you bullying most of us—we’re definitely used to you bullying Gangle—“ Zooble warned, “But if you start going too far Jax…we may have to do something about you.”

“I’d like to see you try,” Jax grinned, “ Booble.”

She scoffed at him and headed for her room, Jax smirking with glee once she was  gone.

Yeah, that’s what I thought.

He pulled Gangle’s comedy mask out from behind his back and looked at it, stroking over the cracks that Pomni helped him glue.

Didn’t look half bad…

His finger started to trace the face next…

It was odd really…looking at her comedy mask…

Seeing the smile on it…

He couldn’t recall how long it’s been since she actually got to wear it…

Probably because he kept breaking it…

He wasn’t sure why he was thinking so deeply about it right now, when he normally didn’t care, but he pushed any thoughts of it aside, thankful nobody else was roaming around as he knocked on Gangle’s door.

She opened it with her usual anxious glances, eyes perking up at the held out mask, “You actually did it,” She breathed as she took it from him, “You really did it…”

Despite the tragedy mask he noticed a soft smile from her, feeling a warmth go up to his chest.

Probably acid reflux if they could even get that…

Yeah that had to be it…

“So uh—“ He pushed it down, “What do you say, Crybaby? Gonna tell me a story?”

“Okay,” She set the mask aside, “We can read.”

“Not going to put it on?”

“Huh?”

“Well,” He cleared his throat, “I just spent hours fixing it—I figured you’d be eager to wear that stupid thing…”

“Not yet,” She said, “But it will be nice,” She hummed, “To have a whole week of it staying that way.”

Another thump in his chest. “Y-yeah. Whatever. Sooo,” He grinned slyly, “My room?”

“Oh. Yes, that would be best…give me a second.”

He waited with a held breath, Gangle coming out with another handful of books. “Okay. Um…let’s go.”

They wandered back into Jax’s room, Gangle finding it so odd she was actually back here.

She was reading to Jax a second “night” in a row…and…

It didn’t seem…as annoying…or as scary as the first time…

She wondered why that was as they took the same spots on the bed.

A shiver down her ribboned spine.

“Um…” She laid out books just like the last time, these books with more of a variety, “Well uh—Pick one.”

“You pick it.”

She let out a nervous breath, “R-really?”

“I mean…I’m going to be asleep so…” He wasn’t looking at her, “Whatever…right?”

“Yeah…I guess…”

She picked up what looked like a mystery book. It looked interesting enough. 

She opened it. 

“Hey.”

“Jax?”

“Maybe…we can make another deal tomorrow…”

“Really? You liked my reading that much?”

“I didn’t say that,” He scoffed, “Just—need my sleep. That’s all…”

“Oh.” She sounded less giddy. “Okay.”

“I mean, I don’t hate how you read. You talk nice….I guess. It’s just not about that.”

Her voice returned to a less saddened tone, “I talk nice?”

He still wasn’t looking at her, “Don’t get a big head. Are you going to read or not you big baby?”

“S-sorry—“ She swallowed, “I’ll start. Um—this one’s not as cheery and magical as the other book—it’s a bit…darker…is that okay?”

He hated the thumping that came back in his chest, “That’s fine…read what you want…”

She flipped to the first page, mask feeling hot as she began to read, “ I stared off of the balcony—stared down—wondering…concluding…why on Earth she jumped? Why would she jump….when she had no reason? Why kill herself from a sorrow that didn’t fit? No…she didn’t kill herself—I was certain. This wasn’t a suicide…” Her breath hitched as she went on, “It was a murder…”

***

Jax woke up, slightly groggy as he sat up on his bed. The last thing he remembered happening in that mystery story was the detective looking for clues…and then…he must have fallen asleep…

He was about to lay back down for another five minutes when his elbow hit one of the books.

One of the books…

Soft breathing…

Jax slowly turned to look at the other side of his bed, Gangle fast asleep with the book half open across her ribboned chest.

OH.

NOOOO.

WHAT FU%#@N TIME WAS IT?!?!

He held in a shriek when someone banged on his door, Ragatha yelling, “Jax! Caine has a new game for us! You better get your a%# up!”

OH. MY. GOD.

WHAT THE HELL WAS HE GONNA DO NOW?!

His body flooded with panic while Gangle slept beside him.

Did he wake her up? 

Did he move her?

Maybe he could abstract himself?

Why did he ever think this was a good idea?!

“Jax?!” Ragatha scolded, “Are you awake?!”

“Uh—“ He shouted back, “Yeah! Keep your skirt on, Ragdoll! I’ll be out in a minute!”

He heard her mumble something under her breath before she left, Jax stumbling to his bedroom door to take a peek.

He opened it just a crack, watching as the rest of the group filed out of their rooms.

He quickly shut the door, brain spinning.

Okay—maybe he could carry her back to her room before she woke up and—

Gangle yawned as she sat up.

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME—?!

“Oh wow—“ She rubbed her black eyes, “I haven’t slept that good in—“

Her mask went paler—if that was at all possible—and she turned her head slowly to stare at Jax who had his back pinned to the door.

They locked eyes.

Her black eyes grew even wider.

Jax pleaded, “Gangle—don’t—“

She let out a blood curdling scream.

Chapter Text

The Amazing Digital Circus

Chapter Three: Nothing

Jax stared Gangle down in horror, Gangle shaking on the bed when she just realized what she had done.

Her voice let out an ever so soft, “Ohhhh noooo…”

“You—“ Jax pointed at her with a snarl, “Under. The. bed. Now.”

A bang on his door startled both of them, Gangle muffling her own squeak as she leapt off the bed and scrambled right under it.

Jax yanked open the door the very second she was gone, “Can I help you, Ragatha—and also everyone else?”

The whole crew was standing behind her, Ragatha of course at the front.

“We heard a very terrifying scream come from your room,” She jabbed his arm, “Wanna tell us what the hell that was?”

Adrenaline pumped through his digital veins.

What could he do…?

What the hell was he gonna say?

Then a bell went off in his head.

The only thing he could think of…

“Oh sure,” He plastered on one of his usual devious grins, “It was Gangle—come on outtt, Gangle—“

The poor ribbon girl crawled out from under the bed, terrified to be caught, her expression as distressed as it could possibly get.

She was so nervous she could barely speak.

“You girls were right,” He said to Ragatha directly, “I got what I wanted and then I pranked her. She came to see me this morning, thinking we were starting to become friends,  and I jumped out and scared her—just didn’t expect to terrify her that badly, isn’t that right, Gangle?”

She let out a series of unintelligible squeaks.

“Scared her so bad she launched herself right under my bed—“ He sneered at the rest of them, “Just like the little loser she always is. Ain’t that right , Gangle?”

Her only response was a series of blubbers, Ragatha pushing past him roughly to lead her out of his room. The Ribbon immediately latched on and sobbed against her chest.

“Caine,” Ragatha raged, “I want you to ground him!”

“Uh—“ The dentures blinked, “Ground him? I don’t see what putting him in the ground will do but—“

“She means,” Zooble hissed, “That we keep him in his room for the day, you a£€hole—“

“That’s what you get for being so mean,” Kinger shamed with a finger wag, “B-b-banishment—! From the kingdom!”

“Maybe we could even uh—“ Pomni mentioned, “Skip the adventure this time?”

Caine looked ready to abstract himself, “Sk-sk—sk—SKIP my game??? Have you all gone mad?!”

“Relaxxxx,” Zooble groaned and grabbed Pomni’s arm, “Me, Pomni, and Kinger will play your stupid game. Ragatha can cheer up Gangle and Jax can be banished in his room,” They hissed, “Fair the f%~@ enough?”

Caine looked over at Jax’s smug wave and Ragatha’s glare of eternal doom.

He sighed, “Alright—fine. As long as somebody plays my adventure, and this is what makes everyone happy, I can make an exception. Let’s go, you lovely trio, you! To the adventure!”

He snapped his fingers and the remaining three were dragged off to who knew where, Jax standing in his doorway as Gangle blubbered against Ragatha’s dress.

“You heard the man—“ Ragatha pointed at him like he was a criminal, “Get. in. Your. Room.”

A smack of the lips from Jax, “Sureee, thing— Mom.”

He slammed the door behind him, Ragatha shushing Gangle sweetly as she lead the poor thing back to her own room.

“Now, you just sit right here, Gangle,” She handed the Ribbon girl an anime-themed plushie from the bed, “Cuddle one of your buddies, and take a biiiig breath, mkay?”

Gangle gave the plushie a squeeze, taking a few soft breaths to slow down the sobs, “Th—th—thank you…Ragatha…”

“Now,” She put her ragdoll hand on Gangle’s shoulder, “Why don’t you tell me what happened?”

Gangle eyes the floor, still shaken by the fact she and Jax had slept in the same bed—even when nothing happened—she was still so horrified. 

“I—“She wiped tears off her mask, “It’s—like he said. I—I helped him with something—he fixed my mask for it and—and just ended up being a jerk…”

“Gangle,” Ragatha could tell there was more, “What was he having you do for him? You can tell me?”

“No—no—“ She looked away, “I—I promised not to. I promised—!”

“Okay,” She backed up a little, “It’s okay. You’re okay—just tell me one thing okay?”

“O—okay…”

“The thing you did for him,” Ragatha spoke more soothingly, “It wasn’t a bad thing, was it?”

Gangle shook a little less at that, “N-no…it—it wasn’t bad. In…fact it was…kinda nice…” She unleashed another round of sobs, “Until today—-!!!”

She went back to crying against Ragatha’s chest, the ragdoll pulling her into a hug as she pat what counted as the ribbon’s back.

“Oh Gangle, why don’t you go to sleep, hm? Take a second break. I’ll make sure no one bothers you.”

“R-r-really?” Gangle was crushing the life out of her plushie, “You—you don’t have to g-go to all that trouble for me—“

“Hey, you got me out of Caine’s game today,” She smiled, “For that, I’ll do whatever the hell you want.”

Gangle giggled at that, “H—his games can be pretty traumatic sometimes…”

“Y-yeah,” A snort laugh from Ragatha, “Sorry. So yeah, why don’t you lay down, okay? Sleep some more. I’ll come get you if we need you.”

Gangle nodded and curled up on her own bed, still clutching the plushie Ragatha had handed to her, “Thank you, Ragatha.”

The Ragdoll pat her mask gently, “You’re welcome. Remember, we’re all your friends, okay? You don’t have to deal with that jerk all alone. Okay?”

“Mkay…” Gangle shut her eyes, “See you later…love you.”

Ragatha’s chest thumped, “Oh—“ She smiled, “Love you too, Girly. Sweet dreams.”

Gangle curled up even more as Ragatha shut off her lights, leaving the ribbon alone with her racing thoughts.

She stroked her plushie softly in the darkness, her sniffles lessening.

She hadn’t expected Jax to throw her to the wolves like that…but…she understood why.

She wasn’t stupid.

With everyone crowded around the door, acting like it was a prank was the sure fire way to sneak her back out…

His plan worked, she guessed…to keep their secret….but…

If she understood it…why did she feel so bad about it?

Why did it actually kinda hurt her feelings?

She let out another sniffle.

Why couldn’t he just tell people the truth?

Who cares if they liked reading together?

What was so wrong with it?

Wasn’t he supposed to be the character that didn’t care what people thought?

Maybe he was more insecure than she thought.

But why?

Why was he?

If more people saw…those tiny snippets of decency she was recently seeing…he’d be happier…or at least have a lot more friends.

Why always act like such a jerk?

When he didn’t need to…

When sometimes…it was more like…

“You talk nice…”

If she had a heart within her ribbons it was definitely thumping…

She nuzzled against her plushie with burning cheeks and finally let herself go back to sleep.

***

Grounded?

What was he, a teenager?

Jax sat on his bed and flipped through the books Gangle left behind…

This sure fu#%*N sucked.

But…guess that’s what he got for making Gangle cry in front of everyone…

A beat in his chest as he flipped through the mystery one from last night…

He closed it, not at all liking that weird twist in his stomach. 

Surely he didn’t…feel bad about it??

No.

No way! 

What else was he supposed to do? Tell everyone they’d been reading bedtime stories?

No way in circusy hell was he doing that…

He crossed his arms, bored and fuming out of his mind.

He couldn’t tell anyone that.

No way.

Even if it meant…making Gangle take the brunt of it…

As to why not…he still couldn’t guess. He didn’t care what anyone thought of him…yet…yet…to share this side of him just seemed so—

He scoffed.

Oh, forget it.

What was he going on about?

What made him want to question himself right now? Reading with Gangle???

Please—

He laid down against his pillow, not sure what else he could even do while waiting for his punishment to end…

He considered sleeping again but…without that story…without her voice…he wasn’t sure if he could.

And that just made him angrier.

Why’d he even start doing that with her anyway?!

He didn’t need her then…why would he need her now?

He pounded his pillow and plopped back down, forcing his eyes shut.

But sleep never came.

He just laid there…

Not sure what to feel…

Not sure what to say or think…

He just knew that later that day…

He’d have—no—he’d need to talk to her…

He needed to talk to Gangle.

***

When Gangle woke up she wasn’t sure what time it was—had she been asleep all “day?” 

Had she only taken a short nap?

She didn’t know.

And right now…she didn’t really care.

Ragatha hadn’t summoned her—no one else had summoned her…so there she laid, on her back, staring up at her ceiling as a few more tears fell from the corners of her eyes.

She sat up and set her plushies aside, creeping over to where she set down her newly fixed comedy mask.

The cracks where Jax glued it…

Where Jax of all people fixed it…just to get what he wanted…

Her vision blurred from more tears.

“Oh Comedy mask,” She shuffled back to her bed and stuffed it under her pillow, “I don’t even want to look at you right now…”

***

Jax didn’t sleep at all during his “grounding.”

He didn’t know how much time had passed but it felt endless—the Rabbit going back and forth between rage, boredom, and confusion—confusion as to why he still felt a bit of guilt from his own actions…from making her cry that badly…

He was Jax.

He shouldn’t feel guilt— ever— he was surprised he even remembered what it felt like after how long he’d gone without it…

Guilt from upsetting her?

Guilt?

Him???

What was happening?

What the hell was happening?

A lightbulb went off in his head and he sat up, completely convinced this time the light was on.

Of course.

He wouldn’t feel guilt.

How stupid of him to even think it.

He was tired.

Even without a real need for it, He still wasn’t getting enough sleep.

That HAD to be it—he didn’t really feel a thing for Gangle—nah—there was no way.

If anything, he wasn’t feeling guilt—no, no, no sir—he was simply feeling too exhausted to be able to use his brain right.

Totally.

He laid back down with a grin, feeling like an absolute genius for figuring it out.

His own fatigue was tricking him…which means he needed even more sleep—which meant he needed even more stories.

Not because he’d see Gangle more—noooo—because he’d be benefiting himself as always.

Yes.

His chest thumped more despite his wishes.

Yeah, that.

He just wanted to use her for his breaks…and was upset they got interrupted…

No guilt.

Pfft.

No way.

He totally misread that—and any thoughts that tried to convince him of any fondness for Gangle…for her voice…for her blushing mask—for—

You shut up tired me—we talked about this!

He pounded another pillow.

Once he got more sleep all that stupid nonsense would go away, and he’d be back to breaking her masks and laughing at her misery.

An anxious breath as he forced down more… whatever that was inside him…

Two nights alone wouldn’t make him crazy enough to…

Crazy enough to…

No.

He just needed more breaks.

That decision was made…and he was sticking with it.

This wasn’t…anything.

Nothing but deals and services.

A grit of his teeth.

Nothing.

***

Gangle woke up a second time—this time from a knock at her door…

Again, she didn’t know how long she slept—

She was still feeling so… odd… from being discovered in Jax’s room and…just didn’t really care…

She shuffled to the door, giving a soft, “Who is it?”

“It’s me…crybaby.”

Jax?

Gangle leaned against the door, thinking, “Aren't you grounded?”

“My Time’s up—“

“What do you want?”

“I think you know.”

A slight shiver down her ribbon.

Had she really…just slept all day?

Was it…already that time?

“Jax…” She swallowed. “I don’t know…you made me look very stupid…I didn’t like that.”

“I know,” He said to her through the door, “It was all I could think of to sneak you out. What do you want?”

“H-huh?”

She could have sworn he was leaning into the other side as well.

“I said,” He repeated, voice so close to the door, “What do you want? We’re still making deals aren’t we?”

“Oh.” A shake in her voice. “I—I guess we are.”

“I tried to take a break while stuck in my room. I couldn’t. So name what you want…so I can get some sleep.”

“I—“

What did she want?

Did she even want to do this a third night?

Or was this…too much for her now?

Was HE too much? 

Just Iike always…

“I want…” She wanted him to work for this one, “I want an apology.”

“A what?”

“You heard me.”

A silence.

“I don’t give apologies.” He snapped, “To anyone.”

“I know,” Her breath hit the door, “That’s why I want one. If you want me to keep reading to you, and going through so much anxiety to keep it secret…” Her tone shifted, “Give me something you wouldn’t give anybody else.”

He grumbled from behind the door, “That’s what you want?”

“That’s what I want…” And just like the last deal, “Take it or leave it.”

A pause.

Gangle waited.

A long sigh from the Rabbit.

Was he actually doing this?

“I’m…” He said, “I’m sorry.”

“For?”

Another pause.

Quiet grumbling.

“For making you cry…”

“Close enough.”

“So you’ll do it then?”

Gangle still hadn’t opened the door. “Yes—are the books I picked still in your room?”

“Yes.”

“Can you move?”

Another pause.

“Yes…”

She opened the door, Jax out of the way, Gangle peeking through the crack anxiously.

“No one’s out here,” He said, “You’re good to go.”

“Do you—“ She finally joined him in the hall, “Do you know what Caine had the others do?”

“No. No one told me,” He watched her anxiously tap her ribbons, “I think I heard electricity and Zooble cursing at one point…”

“Electricity?” Gangle whimpered, “Oh my…”

“Yeah—we can be glad we missed it. So you coming or not?”

“Oh. Yes.” She eyed the floor. “Let’s go…”

It was a funny thing…sleeping all day…

She was still…slightly tired…having felt like she never left Jax’s room at all as she wandered back into it.

The books were right where she left them…

Right where…she had slept…

Next to him…

Jax shut the door…

They went back to their designated spots, Gangle feeling the…whispers of a dream…

She picked up the same mystery book, figuring they could read more of it, tensing when she noticed just how close Jax was laying.

“What now?” Jax still didn’t face her, “Gonna cry again?”

“You’re… closer.”

“What?”

“You’re laying um…” a burning sensation came through her mask, “ Closer to me.”

He scoffed at that, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. This is the same exact spot I’m always in. You’re being delusional. Just…” He felt a weird twist in his stomach, “Just read…”

“Do you—“ she started to ask, “Do you care if…I kinda lay down while I read to you? Or would that…bother you—?”

“You already slept there,” Jax snorted, “Do whatever you want.”

“O—okay…I will then…”

Gangle lowered herself to get a bit more comfortable, opening the book to where they left off…her ribbony shoulder just ever so slightly touching his back.

“Gangle?”

“Y—“ She shivered, “Yes?”

He didn’t ask her to move, “How many times…have you read that book? The one you’re reading to me?”

“Oh. I don’t know…” She gripped the book tightly, “More than I can count…I guess maybe…Caine would give me new ones if I asked him…maybe…”

Jax hummed, “Yeah…maybe…”

“Do you want me to start now?” She asked, “Are…are you ready?”

“This doesn’t mean anything, by the way.”

“What?”

Jax never faced her—but didn’t scoot away either—“I’m just saying…don’t think this…makes us friends or anything…”

A breath from her, “I—“ She forced her voice not to shake, “I didn’t think that.”

“Oh…”

“You won’t even look at me right now,” She touched the book’s pages gingerly, “And you still find time to make me miserable. So… I think that…told me enough.”

“Well…” His stomach turned again, “Just wanted to make sure you knew…crybaby… where we stood. Where you always stood…”

“I know what you think of me…what you’ll always think of me,” She swallowed, “Besides, we each gain something from this anyway….” She said even softer, “R…right?”

“Yeah…right…”

A pause from them both.

Shoulder and back still touching…

He breathed, “You can start then…”

She opened to where they left off, still feeling the heat all the way up to her mask, “He hadn’t expected the killer to be someone close to him… ” She went on, “The Detective never expected such a cruel, heartless, well thought out betrayal such as this…but the clues told him everything he needed to know…” She said as Jax’s back pressed more into her shoulder, “ That this kill itself was just to distract him from the bigger picture…from the real ringleader of every crime that now connected to this one…his wife…”

***

Jax woke up, more flutters in his stomach at the memory of her reading him to sleep…of her… voice.

Ah F%#k…

Maybe it wasn’t because he just needed sleep anymore…

He didn’t know…

He didn’t like it.

They weren’t supposed to get along…and yet…

Soft breathing beside him.

No way…

She didn’t…

He turned, still lying down, their faces inches apart as Gangle slept soundly…the book once again opened and right on top of her ribboned chest…

Hadn't she slept all day or somethin?

What was making her…so tired?

Was it… him?

Was it this?

He wasn’t sure what possessed him, but he reached out, gloved hand gently stroking her masked cheek…

He sat up, staring at his own hand in alarm.

No.

Don’t do that.

You don’t like her.

You’re supposed to be making fun of her…

Laughing at her.

He took a frustrated breath.

What the hell was he doing?

“Gangle?” He gently shook her, “You have to go—“

He didn’t hear anybody else in the halls…didn’t hear Ragatha trying to wake him…so it must still be late…

It must still be everyone else’s break time…

Sleep time…

Whatever.

He tried again, but that still didn’t wake her, Jax muttering about what to do.

He was not about to leave her in here…

He crept over to his door and peeked out, thankful to see no one else out in the hall.

Alright, Jax…it was now or never…

He anxiously got closer to his own bed, carefully moving the book that was draped over Gangle’s chest. 

He set it aside.

He wasn’t sure how this would work…with her being a literal ribbon but…

He scooped her up into his arms, a shiver down his back when her mask hit his shoulder.

Well…he definitely wouldn’t have predicted this a few days ago…

He took another peek out the door before leaving—because who knew the reaction he’d get if someone caught him—and snuck into the hall…carrying Gangle to her room…

Wait—his key didn’t work anymore—

What if—

He nudged the door open, thankful that just this once she left it unlocked…

He forced the door shut behind him, realizing it had been awhile since he’d snuck into the ribbon girl’s room.

Her usual anime junk was placed nicely around her shelves, Jax even noticing the “shinies” from Caine’s stupid game.

She actually did keep them…

He noticed a few sketchbooks…some drawings that actually didn’t stink…and finally, of course, a little vanity with a few of her other masks…

He didn’t see her comedy mask…

Oh well.

Guess she was still paranoid it would break again.

Whatever…

He carried her over to her bed and laid her down, watching as her sleeping self grabbed at a plushie and yanked it to her chest.

He almost laughed at that.

Nerd.

He watched her curl up into a ball, Jax staring curiously…

It was odd…being in here without a prank…

A thump in his chest.

He couldn’t even…think of one.

Nothing.

He had nothing.

No prank in his head at all…

He quietly snuck out of the room, careful not to wake her, shutting the door behind him with a loud breath.

“Care to explain what you were doing in Gangle’s room?”

He let out a shriek, Ragatha staring him down with crossed arms and a scowl. 

“Motherf%#€#%—?!” He clutched his racing chest, “ You need a bell—“

“What,” she repeated, “Were you doing—“ She jabbed his shoulder, “In Gangle’s. Room? Haven’t you upset her enough? If you’re pranking her again today I swear—I swear I’ll shove my fist—“

“I wasn’t pranking her—“ He swatted her hand, “Not this time anyway—“

“Then what were you doing?” She shot accusingly, “Why was Gangle really in your room earlier? What have you two been whispering about? I know there’s something going on—and if it’s something bad Jax—I really really swear—“

“Alright—!” He hissed, “Alright…”

“Alright?”

Thundering in his ribs. “I’ll tell you what’s going on…”

“You—really?” Her accusing glare changed to concern, “You actually want to? You want to?”  She took his arm, “That means it’s serious. What’s wrong?”

A long, annoyed sigh, “Yeah, I’ll tell you…but You’re not going to believe me… and you can’t tell anyone else…”

Chapter Text

The Amazing Digital Circus

Chapter Four: The Ultimate Prank

“Oh, my God—“ Ragatha beamed at Jax who was sitting with her on her bed, “You—you like her—!”

“I do not—!” Jax snarled at her, “All I said was that with all this reading, I can’t stop thinking about her—and—and I can’t even come up with pranks for her—!”

“And you should have seen the softness in your face when you said her name,” Ragatha teased, “Aww, Jax—this is so sweet—! Especially from you—“

“Shut up,” He groaned, “Now that I’ve told you what’s going on you can help me fix it. You owe me that much for making me talk.”

“Alright, alright,” She grinned a little as she thought, “Well, for starters, you have to be nice to her—like actually nice—“

“Hold on, let me stop you—“ He huffed, “If you think I want help wooing her, you’re f#&$%n stupid.”

“Don’t you???”

“No way!” He sputtered, pointing, “I wanna shut this all off! Tell me how to get rid of it!”

“Oh, Jax,” She crossed her arms like a disappointed mother, “Would it really be so awful for someone to like you back? For someone as sweet and caring as Gangle to no longer think of you as a horrible jerk? For her to keep reading stories to you?”

He ground his teeth, red-faced as she looked at him with that ragdoll face and button eye, “I don’t know. All I know is that I’ve made a mistake, and I want it gone. I can’t even think of ways to prank her now! I just wanna—I wanna—“

“Hold her?” Ragatha teased. “Be nice to her?”

“Never— in fact, I know just how to cure myself,” He rubbed his gloved hands together evilly, “I’ll bestow upon Gangle my best prank yet…”

“Oh, Jax!” She slapped his arm, “You don’t mean that! You better not—! If you’re going to try to get rid of your feelings for her, just ignore her like a normal person—you don’t have to be mean—“

“It’s too late, Ragdoll,” Jax was still rubbing his hands, “I’m about to make Gangle hate me forever—“

“And what about your bedtime stories then, huh? I thought you liked them—“

“I was wrong to destroy the natural order of the circus,” He said it as if he were grieving an actual loss, “I must restore balance to the silly charms of bullying those that are weaker than me—“

“Do you ever learn anything?!”

“Yes, I do—“ He got up off her bed, his usual nasty grin growing in his face, “I’ve learned that I, Jax, will bring back what once was with a sheer tornado of terror—!”

“You literal piece of sh%#…just get out of my room,” She looked ready to pummel him, “Whatever you’re plotting— I don’t want to know. If you decide to do something vile I’ll throw you n the abstraction hole—but if you decide to let her down gently—“

“I sure as hell won’t—“

Another simmer in her chest, “If you’re nice at all , I’ll be ready to commend you.”

He started to leave as she requested, “Well, I guess you’ll wait and see won’t you?” He kicked the door open with a smile, “But I’d probably get ready to throw me in the hole if I were you—CUZ JAXY’S BACK! And he’ssss gonna be so so mean!”

She crossed her arms as she heard him cackle down the hall, Ragatha storming over to slam her door shut as his evil laughing vanished.

Ohhh, that jerk—that freak—that a%#Hole—that—

She took her own breath, plopping back down on her bed when she finally finished her angry vibrating.

Calm down, Ragatha.

Everything was fineeee.

If Jax listens to his heart and winds up being nice to Gangle, everythingggg will be just fine.

And if he ends up being mean again, things will just go back to normal, right?

He’ll bully everyone equally, and she’ll be right there to help Gangle feel better once it’s all over.

Yeah.

Yeahhh.

She curled into a ball on her bed.

Besides, as much as she wanted to strangle Jax for even saying he’d start being mean again, he…couldn’t be planning anything meaner than usual right?

A nervous twitch of her one eye.

Right?

And…again, despite how much she wanted to throttle him, she did promise not to tell anyone about his sudden crush on sweet, sweet Gangle…even if he did try to deny that’s what it was…

And she—she was Ragatha— she wouldn’t tell.

She knew she wouldn’t tell.

She just hoped Jax made the right decision…for both of them…

Though…did he ever?

She yawned and curled even further into a ball.

She shut her one eye.

Oh Jax, I sure hope you don’t make this worse…

***

Just like always everyone was gathered at the center of the circus, Caine fluttering around in excitement.

He was about to announce their game for the day, and Jax tapped his foot impatiently, that wicked grin back on his face l when he noticed Gangle standing beside him.

A thump in his chest— no.

You stop that in there.

This is just a weird phase…

And you’re going to fix it…

Fix—

Then he got an idea.

An awful idea.

Jax got a wonderful…awful…idea.

He noticed a stare of disapproval from Ragatha but he ignored it, leaning down to talk to the shaking ribbon as Caine blubbered on about how fun this new adventure would be.

“Psst. Gangle?”

“H-huh? Yes?”

A slight tease in his voice, “You fell asleep in my room again,” Closer to her mask, “You naughty girl…”

“I—I’m sorry,” She choked, “I didn’t mean to—“

“Hey, hey, no worries, ribbons,” Arm around what counted as her shoulders, “I put you back in your own room—I’m sure you noticed?”

She wasn’t looking at him, mask buried under her ribbon hands, “Y-yes…thank you…”

More jibberish from Caine in the background…

Jax continued to tune him out, “Hey Gangle, speaking of… you being in my room—“

A squeak from her, “Jax, not here—please—“

“I’m just saying,” He cooed, slowly stroking a ribbon, “What if…we did something else?”

“L-like what?” She shivered, “Jax—don’t mess with me—I’m not reading you anything smutty—and that’s that—“

“No, not—“ He huffed, “ F %#k Gangle, how many messages do I have to give you?”

“M-messages?” She finally looked at him, “You don’t mean—“

“I’m. Asking. You. Out.”

“You’re what?”

“You. Me,” He wriggled his brows, “Date.”

Her black eyes widened. 

“Yeah, you heard me, crybaby,” Jax kept his grip on her, making sure to whisper, “Those stories you’re reading me? The accidental sleeping? Well,” He plastered on a nasty grin, “I’ve been liking it. Reallyyy liking it— I may even like you~~”

“Oh, dear God, Jax—“ her mask went completely red, “Quit— quit it—“ Her lip quivered as she tried to shake him off, “This is the meanest you’ve ever been—“

He pulled her closer, “I mean it.”

She watched his mockful grin turn…more… flirty?

“I mean it,” Jax said a bit more honey-like, “Maybe…we could give it a try?”

She stopped trying to escape at that, “I—“ She looked away again, “I need…to think about it. When—when would we even—“

“Tonight—“ He said, “Just come to my room. Same time. I’ll have it all set up. If you show up, great, if you don’t, oh well.”

“Have—“ She tapped her ribbons together, “Have what set up, um—exactly?”

A smirk from him, “Ohhh, Gangle—nothing dirty. I promiseeee.”

“Does that mean—“ A thump in Gangle’s ribboned chest, “You don’t want me to read to you anymore?”

She almost looked…disappointed?

The same thump in Jax’s, “Well—we could—still do that…if you want. Yeah.”

“Oh—okay.”

“Just—tell me when you get there—if—“

“If I want to do both?”

“Uh—sure. Yeah…” Jax let her go, “We’ll…go with that…”

“Well, okay,” She already started to walk away from him, “Then I guess…we’ll see…”

She shuffled all the way to Kinger, the chess piece vibrating before he unleashed facts about bugs at her.

Jax didn’t see it but…even without the comedy mask…Gangle…smiled…

What Jax did see though, was Caine poofing up a high wire, a flaming net, funky outfits… and a unicycle…

Oh no.

He groaned.

Looks like he picked the wrong day to tune out Caine…

***

Ragatha cracked her ragdoll back, Pomni putting Zooble back together beside her.

The colorful shape character got back to their feet, cursing up a storm as they stretched out their reattached limbs.

“F $&%# Caine,” Zooble wretched, “Making us all perform on that—thing—do you know how many times I had to stop Kinger from bursting into flames? You two saw that, right? How often that idiot fell onto the net?”

“Not to mention,” Pomni gulped, “That apparently I’m scared of heights. That sure was fun to find out up there…”

Zooble scoffed, “Maybe somewhere deep in there, Caine knew your fear—I swear—I swear he gets off on all our pain—who wants to bet?” They snarled, “And did you see how Jax just let me fall onto the net? What a piece of sh %#!”

“Yeah,” Pomni nodded as she dusted more stuff off Zooble’s shapes, “Although…”

“What?”

“Oh. I was just…surprised he didn’t drop Gangle…that’s all,” The Jester shrugged, “Probably just in a Zooble bullying mood I guess…”

Ragatha tensed at that, quickly agreeing, “Mhm. Yep. Just like him to pick and choose who his victim is for the day…”

“Ugh—sometimes I just hate him…” Zooble stretched more of her limbs, “Well, I’m going to go where he isn’t. Want to come, Pomni? Ragatha?”

“I’ll stay back and stretch a bit more,” Ragatha told them, “You two…” She saw Jax push over Kinger’s new fort, “You two go ahead…”

They did so, chatting more about the game as Ragatha limped over to where Jax was, both watching as Kinger frantically cleaned his mess.

Gangle was nowhere to be found.

“So,” She nudged him, “What did you decide?”

“I thought you didn’t want to know?” Jax smirked, “Curious now?”

“Don’t tell me too much—just…give me a hint…so I know what to expect.”

“You tell anyone what I said?”

She glared, “No. Unlike you, I’m a pretty decent person.”

“Wouldn’t it be more decent,” He eyed Kinger’s new fort, “To tell on me?”

“You and Gangle are adults—besides,” She started, “If by some small miracle you do the right thing, I want to give you the chance.”

“Hm. Interesting of you to have some belief in me—but since you do,” He whispered with a grin, “I’ll fill you in. I asked her out.”

“You—you— YOU WHAT—?!”

“Sh!” He hissed, “You promised not to tell—don’t start screaming about it—“

“You—“ She looked ready to pass out if they could, “You can’t be serious—Jax, that’s so—so—is this a mean date or a nice date?”

A devilish grin from the bunny.

“Jaxxxxx,” She tugged at her own hair, “Jax—Jaxxx—“

“Still not going to tell on me?” He flicked one of her curls, “You still could—you could stop me—“

“No—!” She huffed, “You need to be responsible for once! You! Do,” She scolded, “The. Right. Thing. I’m not telling—another reason is if I do, you get to escape handling it yourself—and I won’t fix another one of your problems for you. I’ll be there for Gangle if you mess up—of course I will—but it’s about time I let you get some consequences for your actions.” She crossed her arms. “So, did any of that reach your black heart or not?”

“Hmmm—I guess you’ll just have to see, Ragdoll,” He gave another smirk, “But odds aren’t lookin too good for you or Gangle—“

Ragatha rolled her one eye and watched as Kinger happily crawled back into his new fort.

“If this blows up in your face, Jax, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Consider me warned,” He winked, “Sweet cheeks.”

He wandered off as she stewed by Kinger, brain plotting for how he and Gangle’s little “date” could go.

Consequences, Ragatha?

Please.

If anything, he’d celebrate.

He was Jax— the prankster—the fun—he shouldn’t be enjoying Gangle’s company—it’s just as he said earlier—he should be laughing at her.

And he was going to make sure that’s how it would stay— they’d go back to normal if it abstracted him.

That was a promise…

***

“Evening” for the Circus Peeps.

Jax paced around his room, making sure everything was set up perfectly for their little “date.”  

He pulled out all the stops for this prank.

He had a table set out with what he found out were Gangle’s favorite virtual foods—a nice tablecloth he had stolen from Caine a few dinners ago—and a nicely lit virtual candle.

He even threw together some sort of suit—a midnight blue colored one he for some reason had.

But now for the best part…

Underneath the table, near Jax’s chair, was a red button…a red button that came with a surprise just for Gangle…

All he had to do was press that button and— bam!— an entire load of garbage would fall on her from above.

It would be absolutely nasty.

She’d never read to him again probably…but that’s a risk he’d have to take.

He’d be pranking her again, and all these “feelings” he sure didn't have would be gone for good.

Right?

A quick race in his chest.

Or did he not want it to be gone?

What if…instead of ruining this—he—

NO.

YOU shut up—brain—

He wanted it gone—he did.

This wasn’t… him— it couldn’t be…

He’d press that button…and end this mess.

Gangle… get ready to get covered in grime.

Because like he said before…Jax was back… and he’d keep it that way.

***

Gangle stood in front of Jax’s bedroom door…anxious—scared—excited???

It was time—time to read—time for… whatever this was…

Time for their…. ”date…”

She didn’t do much to herself—she was literally a ribbon but…she managed to make a tiny red bow at the corner of her mask… her comedy mask… finally feeling brave enough to…unearth it from the sheets.

It felt so odd to wear it…when it was usually alway broken…

She tapped her ribbons together, standing in front of his door, so thankful no one was out in the hall to see her.

The idea of Jax… liking her…had to be part of a prank…it had to be some sort of joke but…

The reading…

The accidental sleeping…

The closeness…

The small touches…

The lack of pranking…

The date…

It was all…so overwhelming…but…

Maybe in a good way?

She really… hoped… it was in a good way.

It had only been a few days but…here she was…ready to accept a date from Jax…no matter if it was a prank or not…

She just really hoped… for not.

Because maybe he did mean it…and…maybe she’d… like… that…

Gangle took an anxious breath and knocked on the door, ribbon body shaking as the door finally opened.

Jax was in the doorway in a suit she hadn’t seen before, the ribbon girl unable to hold back a tiny squeak.

“What? Like what ya see?” That typical smug grin of his, “Then get in here and look at me some more…crybaby.”

She “eeped—!” When he pulled her in, Gangle jumping when the door shut behind her with a permanent click.

And then…

She saw…

“Oh, Jax,” blush appeared on her comedy mask, “Did you set all that up yourself? The table and everything?”

“Sure did, cutie,” Jax ran a finger over the bow on her mask, “Also…” He guided her over to the table, “Bout time you wore that after all I did to fix it.”

She took her seat, flustered by the candle and food, “W-wore? Wore what?”

The fool set up virtual treats for her too?

Was she abstracting? Did she die?

Heat rose to her cheeks.

What was going on? Oh no…oh no…

She liked it…

Jax sat across from her, smirking, “You know—your comedy mask,” He munched on virtual bread, “Bout time you wore that thing. Although,” He leaned in, “Can I confess something?”

Gangle’s ribboned chest was fluttering, “Mhm..”

“You’re actually really fu#%@n cute when you cry…”

“Y-you think so?”

“Sure do— very cute.”

“That’s,” She giggled, “A little messed up, don’t you think? To…feel a type a way about—that?”

“We’re trapped in cyberspace, Gangle,” He scooted a virtual dessert closer to her— tempting her— “We can be as messed up as we want. Now go on, eat something. Not expecting me to devour all this sh%# alone, are you?”

Gangle eyeballed it anxiously, using the fork to give it a little poke.

She jumped when Jax stuck his own fork in it, only stealing a small piece that he popped into his mouth, “See? Safe.”

“You really didn’t—spit on it? Shove a bug in there?”

“Nope and nope, angelcakes, this,” He motioned to all the date stuff, “Is legit.”

A smirk from him.

A legit joke.

She squinted, but took a bite of it anyway, looking much happier after that first bite, “Oh, I love it—“

“Yeah, I thought you might…”

She giggled again as she ate more of it, Jax feeling the heat rise in his cheeks.

Probably smothering in this suit—yeah…that had to be it…

Feelings? Totally vanishing for sure…

Speaking of that…

He reached under the table, finger hovering over his special button.

“Jax?”

He hadn’t pressed it yet, “Yeah?”

“No one’s…done something like this for me before…not even in the real world…”

He froze at that. “What did you say?”

“Oh—sorry—“ She corrected, “I—I don’t have any actual memories from the real world I just—I just have a strong… feeling… that no one’s…made me…”

“Made you what?”

“Feel…so special. I guess…”

“Not even a dinner??”

“I don’t…think so…”

“Oh.”

Why did he care about that?

He shouldn’t care about that?

He scooted a bit further from the button, but his hand was still under the table.

He was…thinking…confused…

Still thinking…

“I just—well—“ Gangle smiled a little, “When you asked me out…saying you liked me…I thought you were going to—smash cake in my face or something like that…” she smirked, “Drop trash on me or something…”

His hands were both back on the table, Jax really hoping his laugh didn’t sound so suspicious, “Oh yeahhh, the old—trash falling prank. Sure sounds like something I’d do—“

“But you didn’t—“

“Nope. Totally not.” He swallowed, “Totally. Didn’t do that. And definitely wasn’t going to—“

“Are you still going to?”

“Going to what?”

“Do you actually like me, Jax?” She pointed above herself, “Or are you going to drop it?”

“Drop-? Oh.”

He looked up at his poorly hung trash net, “Huh. I—I didn’t know you could see that up there.”

“Jax, you’re better than this—you’re better at hiding your pranks. This is sloppy—“

“Hey—! You can’t just waltz in here and insult—“

Shock crossed his face when she pushed all the digital food off the table.

“You—!” She pointed, “Were gonna bury me under garbage?”

“Well—duh—! Did you really think—?!” He yelped when a ribbon grabbed his collar, “Okay—let’s talk this out—“

“You—“ She was crawling across the table, practically choking him, “You were gonna dump a poorly crafted—sloppy pile of garbage on me?!”

Heat filled his cheeks.

What the—no crying? She was just gonna beat his a#%?

Did he—like that?

What the hell was happening here?

She was in his face, on the table, gripping his collar with her two ribbon hands.

Breath on breath.

A devious smirk crossed her mask, “You were going to set off an amateur prank, Jax. That’s not like you…” closer, “I think you do like me.”

Closer.

Whatever counted as their hearts…beating…

“Oh,” Jax closed in, “You little bi—“

Kissing.

Hell—were they kissing?

They were.

F%#k…

Ribbons ran across Jax’s arms.

“Are we—“ Gangle spoke mid-kiss, “Still going to read—? Jax—?”

“F%#k the reading,” Jax pulled her right into his lap, hand cupping her mask, “I’m going to show you just how much I like you~~”

Chapter Text

Chapter Five: The Jax I Used To Know

Soft breathing.

Jax opened his eyes, the memory of the date returning to him when he saw Gangle sleeping on his chest, his arm draped over her ribbony shoulders.

His suit jacket was gone but he still had his shirt, his sleepy self staring groggily at the ribbon on top of him…

She was…actually really cute…like this…

A blush spread all over his face.

He thought she was cute…

He didn’t prank her…

They…kissed and….

Oh dear f%$&.

He couldn’t believe this.

He did like her—and he told her…

He touched her shoulder.

His chest raced as she breathed sleepily.

He liked her…and he told her…

And he kissed her…and he held her…

And he liked it…

Oh dear God he liked it…

Panic.

He liked it!

He liked it and he told her??? And didn’t prank her?

He didn’t turn it off???

Gangle was in his bed with him?!

What was going on?!

What was he supposed to do now?

Her soft breath hit his chest and his legs turned to jelly.

A wave of anxiety passed through him.

He was sleeping with Gangle.

Who was he?

No, really…

Another wave of shock passed his system.

Just who the hell…was this kind of Jax?

Gangle stirred in her sleep, Jax watching in a panic as she rolled off him, the purple rabbit scrambling out of his bed the minute she did.

Okay.

The prank didn’t work—why didn’t it work?

Why did he say those things? Do those things?

Who possessed him?

Was it Caine?

He threw up fists as he raggedly breathed against the wall.

Was CAINE making him crush on Gangle???

OH THAT F#%<!— making us kiss?

That’s a new low you—

You…

You…

No.

More heat to his cheeks.

It wasn’t Caine.

It was his own mess.

The prank didn’t work….

His new feelings didn’t go away….

He was still trying to cling to denial…

He lowered his fists, Gangle curled up in the bed with all the trust in the world—trust that she probably never dreamed of offering to a jerk like Jax…

Ever.

He couldn’t deny it anymore…especially after this…

He did like her.

He was crushing on her—he…

He wanted more of her.

F%#k!

He was clenching his fist in a double dose of shock.

He liked her stupid drawings, and her stupid sweetness and the sound of her voice— God the sound of her voice—

He rubbed his temples in agony. 

Da%# the sound of her cute little voice…

He could listen to it all day…

And he hated that.

He hated that.

He hated her— he—

He liked her.

He liked her.

Oh, how horribly he liked her.

He’d never known this kind of pain…

He was retching within—spiraling—ready to throw up or shoot his own head.

And yet… he never wanted this ache to go away…

Pining for Gangle?

Wanting Gangle?

Impressed she caught his prank????

A scoff escaped his lips.

Never in a million years would he have guessed this…

But here he was…

Wishing this… was everyday…

Gangle stirred again, Jax on the verge of throwing up each time she moved.

God, he couldn’t take it.

He could take such strong feelings—

He frantically changed back into his overalls—because if anyone saw him in this he’d shoot himself—and tore out of his bedroom, surprised to find it was still “rest time.” 

The halls were dark.

Nobody else seemed to be around.

Perfect.

He needed to get out of there.

And he needed to be alone.

He needed…to think…

To comprehend what was happening…

He wasn’t sure why his choice was to head for Gangle’s room. 

It wasn’t locked, just like last time and…Jax was starting to wonder if she was doing it on purpose now…

Letting him in…

Letting him break in—

This was so backwards—so very, very backwards…

He shut the door behind him and sat down on her bed, taking another look at the trinkets and shinies from that game—the team up that started all that reading in the first place…

He grabbed a plushie off her bed and held it—looking at it—stroking the soft fabric until he found himself hugging it to his chest.

What was he doing?

A flutter in his chest.

What the hell was he doing? 

Didn’t he leave his room for some air?

To avoid her for a second?

Why did he choose her room to hide in?

Even when he was trying to run off he wound up near her…somehow…someway…

Gangle.

Always there.

What had he thought of her when she first arrived?

Or was she first?

Why couldn’t he remember right now?

He couldn’t think. 

Didn’t he know?

He thought he knew.

It had been so long…

But his brain was so clouded right now—so confused—so enamored with the bedtime stories and the kissing and Gangle—

Just Gangle.

His Gangle.

But she shouldn’t even be something or someone he thought of like that…

Why did he like her?

Why did he stop hating her?

Why was he so against this?

Unless he never hated her?

Was this just a mask? 

He spotted her tragedy mask in her vanity, the reflection of it’s stupid and all too familiar frown mocking his very thoughts.

A mask…just like that one…

Is that what his hatred was in the first place?

What was happening to him?

What was happening to Jax?

He didn’t know this Jax—the one that fawned over someone he bullied.

That’s right….

He bullied her.

He was her bully.

He made her cry—on purpose.

He made her cry.

He was cruel to her.

Always.

He didn’t deserve her.

They shouldn’t be doing this…

God, did he really just say that?

That he didn’t deserve her?

Him???

Admitting it?

His arms were shaking.

Who was this?

This wasn’t the Jax he knew.

At all.

Another thump in his chest.

Gangle…

Flashbacks to her ribbons around him…

Those soft touches…

That kiss…

No.

Kisses…

Heat flooded his entire body.

He held the plushie closer—probably something from an anime—and curled up on Gangle’s bed, taking one last look at all her trinkets and drawings.

His eyes began to shut, Jax hugging the plushie close to his face…

This wasn’t him at all…

***

Jax’s Room

Whatever counts as morning lol.

Gangle woke with a long yawn and a stretch, ribboned arm reaching over for nothing.

Nothing?

Jax?

She sat up, eyes staring where Jax once laid.

She said aloud, “Jax?”

His suit from the date was tossed onto the floor, Gangle’s cheeks burning.

Why were his clothes there?

Oh nooo.

No no noooo.

Wait no—he had fallen asleep with them on, right?

She couldn’t remember…but…to be honest…

Whatever happened…She didn’t care…

Her mask turned red again and she smiled.

She smiled?

She didn’t care???

Yeah.

A beat within her ribbons.

She didn’t care.

But…

That smile became a frown.

Where did he go then?

He wouldn’t just… leave… right?

After that?

Her glee shrank at that.

Maybe he would.

He was still Jax…

It would fit for him to do that.

But…something in her gut—or twirl of ribbons—told her that it wasn’t like that…

It…couldn’t be like that, could it?

She climbed off the bed, in a sort of blissful yet confused daze as she headed for the door.

Jax had wanted to prank her.

There was garbage above her.

But he hesitated.

He didn’t do it.

They kissed.

They slept.

She hadn’t read to him this time.

They…they just…

Her mask burned more as she went into the quiet hall.

The lights were just flickering in for their sign of “Morning.”

She wasn’t sure where Jax was, but they could talk about it later.

Right now she needed this time to sneak back into her room.

She quickly rushed to her door and charged inside, chest pounding even quicker at the sight of Jax in her bed.

He moved to her room?

She slowly crept closer.

Why would he do that?

Why leave but not really leave?

She put a ribbony hand on his shoulder, watching him sleep peacefully with one of her plushies in his arms.

She almost didn’t believe this. 

Jax…sleeping in her room with one of her anime plushies?

She didn’t know what to do.

Wake him up?

Tell him to go?

A flutter in her ribbons.

Go back to laying with him?

Or just let him be?

Let him stay?

Caine would be looking for them for the adventure soon…wouldn’t he? 

She gently shook him, “Jax?”

Nothing.

“Jax?”

What should she do?

She didn’t want to yell.

She set aside her crooked bow from the date, placing it gently beside her tragedy mask.

She gave the mask a soft touch.

She was…so used to wearing it…

She almost switched to it out of habit but…no…

She’d keep the comedy mask.

For now.

She turned back at Jax, still so unsure about if she should get him to leave or…let him stay.

She didn’t want someone to catch him walking out of here…

There’d be too many questions.

And she wasn’t ready for questions.

Maybe he’d wake up and meet them later?

She really hoped so…because she just couldn’t force herself to wake him up.

She crept back over, still so unsure about all of this as she planted a kiss on his forehead.

She jumped when Jax stirred, the rabbit looking at her with sleepy eyes.

“Crybaby?” He asked softly, “Did you just kiss me?”

“I well—maybe—“ She said, “But we kissed like all night so…does it even matter?”

“Oh. No I guess not. What are you doing here?”

“It’s my room,” She eyed the floor nervously, “I—I should ask you that.”

“Oh…right…” He sat up groggily, still gripping the plushie to his chest, “I’m not really sure why I came in here…to be honest.”

“Why’d you leave me in your room?”

“I don’t know…”

“Was I—“ Gangle frowned now, “That awful?”

“What?”

“Did you not… like it?”

He gripped the plushie tighter, “I’m not supposed to like anything about you.”

“So…you didn’t?”

He didn’t answer, watching her pick up her tragedy mask and glance at it.

“Don’t put it back on.” He whispered.

“What?”

He blushed, not having meant to say it out loud. “I uh—“

“Why shouldn't I put it on?” She hissed despite the comedy mask, “You’re allowed to not like me, Jax, but don’t expect me to be happy about it—“

She looked ready to swap them, Jax grabbing her wrist, “Don’t.”

She stared in alarm, Jax not even remembering jumping off the bed. 

“Why?” Her tone sounded angry, “Why do you care, Jax? You got what you wanted, right? A good time?”

“That’s not ,” He hissed back, “What I wanted.”

“What do you want Jax?”

“I want to stop liking you—“

She scoffed, “I thought so—“

“And I want to hold you again.”

She reddened at that one, “Wh-what? Which is it?”

“I don’t know, okay!” He threw the plushie back onto the bed, snarling, “I don’t know! Stop doing this to me!”

“Me?!” A loud uncharacteristic laugh erupted from Gangle’s mask, “Me?!?!” She shoved him, “Me? Me?! Me?! What have I ever done to you?!”

“You’re,” He shoved her back, “Too sweet for me, Gangle—I shouldn’t want you— you’re driving me mad—“

A pause between both of them.

Gangle turned pink, “You,” She stroked the tragedy mask again, “You think I’m sweet? You want me? Really?”

He noticed the small, hopeful look in her black eyes—

He had two ways to go with this—completely ruin it, like he always did, or actually try.

He clenched his fists.

He had to ruin it.

“I do.”

Or not? Hello??

He went on, “I didn’t mean to leave the room—I panicked. I’m still confused…but…”

Stop stop stop stop—?!?!

He leaned in, “I liked it—I like you—“

She turned away from him, “Do you mean that Jax? I gave a lot to you last night—if it’s no, you’d better say so. Because I—-I won’t be a game for you anymore, Jax,” She shook as she said so, this assertive business really making her wanna throw up, “That nice thing we did—that beautiful thing—it won’t happen again if you don’t mean it. And I’ll find out if you don’t. I’ll know. You probably think I don’t, since you’ve tricked me and pranked me so many times before, but for something like this? I’ll know. So tell me who you are,” She took his hands, “because I can’t let you be both. You won’t be both. So Which Jax do you want to be to me,” A softer, more serious tone, ” Tormentor?” A tighter squeeze of his palms, “Friend? Or…or lover?”

“Gangle—“

“Tell me—“ There was a crack in her voice, “who are you, Jax? Because I’m so tired of crying because of you.”

He broke free from her grasp, chest pounding.

What the hell?

He knew she was trying to stop being such a carpet but my God—

When did she get this good at it?

This wasn’t like her.

This wasn’t like him.

Who was Jax ?

Who was she?

Why weren’t they doing what they were supposed to?

F*%# this was happening so fast—so very very fast…

“Well, Jax?” She shook, “I-I’m waiting.”

They were both quiet, Caine’s voice shouting through the halls, “Everyone! It’s nearly time! I have a greatttttt new game for you all! Times a tickin! Let’s gooo—! Let’s gooo—!”

They locked eyes, Gangle speaking again, “Think about it.”

“H-huh?”

“I—“ She tapped her ribbons together, no longer trying to swap masks, “I’ll let you think on it. Your room. Tonight.”

“Gangle—“

“You’ll tell me what you want from me,” She said to him, “W-whether you want to work on this—new thing we’re doing or—on—on our new feelings or—

He reddened, “Or?”

“Or…go back…” She eyed the floor, “To how things were—to how we’ve…” A look, “Always been… b—before all the bedtime stories…”

“Gangle—listen—this is crazy—how would we even work?”

“Is that your decision then?” She said, “To go back to normal? To…bullying me?”

“No—“ He answered quickly, “No, it’s not it’s—fine— fine,” He grit his teeth, “I’ll let you know tonight. And don’t tell anyone about this—“

“I don’t plan to, Jax,” She sighed, “Don’t worry.”

More silence.

She broke it again. “You’ll let me know…tonight.”

She left him then—left him alone in her room.

The door shut with a haunting click.

Jax stared back at that tragedy mask.

Who was he to her?

Tormentor?

Friend?

Lover?

How could he answer that…when he didn’t know himself…

He didn’t know this Jax…

He hated this Jax.

This confused, pining, yearning Jax…

Who was this?

He huffed towards the door.

Looks like he had no choice but to find out…who this Jax was.

***

A loud roar rang across the horrid jungle, Jax pushing past branches angrily.

He was covered in dirt and scratches, kicking at a pile of leaves as he marched through the uneven path.

A jungle mission?

To find some golden—tooth???

Puhleaseeee—

He had expected more fun chaos—not the turmoils of nature .

Caine must be out to kill them at this point.

If he had to throw one more wild ugly animal off himself he’d throw himself into the abstraction pit on purpose.

Bird calls echoed above, Jax watching as a really large one flew above, Kinger screaming from its clutches.

Heh.

Neat.

Anyway—back to looking for that tooth.

Gangle’s words repeated in his mind, “Who are you, Jax?”

He ground his teeth and punched another giant leaf. 

Who was he???

Who even cared….

“Jax—!” Pomni fumbled behind him, “Jax! Wait! Stop—“ She hacked up leaves, “Moving so fast—!”

He rolled his eyes as she tore after him, Jax really hating that Caine paired them off into teams again.

He also hated that Caine paired Gangle with Ragatha. If Gangle caved and told Ragatha what was going on he’d—once again—toss his miserable, aching, pining body into the abstraction pit—on purpose.

True, Ragatha knew about his crush, but she didn’t need every excruciating detail about how it was going.

“Jax—“ Pomni grabbed his wrist before he walked right into a giant web, “Jax—you almost got stuck in there—what’s wrong with you?”

“Me?” He shook her off, “What’s wrong with you? Can’t you follow along without tripping and whining every d %#€ second— ?! You—“ 

He stopped yelling at her, rubbing his temples.

“Jax?” She asked with concern, “You’re usually mean but—this is—you’ve been kinda meaner than usual—is everything okay?”

“I haven’t been meaner.”

“You threw Zooble into a pit of vipers, Jax—“

“Please, I’ve thrown you all into beasts before—that’s not new—they’re always falling into holes anyway—and besides, we’re racing to get that tooth—!”

“Then you peed into the pit while they were being bitten in there….”

Jax scratched behind his ears, “I mean—well—“

“And then somehow you set the pit on fire—and you tossed in extra snakes and then you mocked her screams and—“

“Okay—! Okay—! I was mean to Zooble today—whatever—! They shouldn’t have shoved me into that tree—“

“Jax,” She grabbed his arm again, “Remember the other day when I called you a friend? I…you know I meant it, right? I—I know we clash sometimes and you’re usually a d%#< but—-You can tell me…what’s wrong?”

He looked into her eyes—surprised by how… genuine she was being…

A small, small, small part of his brain said: tell her about Gangle.

He froze.

No.

No way.

God, he couldn’t handle all this.

What was going on with him?!

If he had to talk about this with anyone else he’d abstract himself.

On purpose.

He slapped at a bug that tried to bite him and pushed away his emotions, “I don’t know, Pomni…I’m just extra restless today I guess. Don’t worry about it, alright? Let’s just finish Caine’s stupid game and Zooble can try to kill me later if she wants. Deal?”

“Okay…if you're sure,” She stomped on a root that tried to grab them, “Its just…if it’s about Gangle—“

He whipped towards her, “Why do you think it’s about Gangle?”

Pomni jumped at the snarl, “I—I don’t know I just—I know you’ve been hanging out more I just—you fixed her mask and—favors and—just—maybe if you wanna be her friend I was gonna say—“

“She’s nothing to me, you got that? Noth.ing. I do not want to be her friend.”

I want to be more.

Huh? Who said that?

He physically looked behind him.

Be quiet, me!

“Right, right,” Pomni swallowed, “Just—okay well I just…wanted to say…whatever you two are doing—you can—do it. Okay? Friend or enemy—you can—“ She gulped, “Sure handle it! Yeah—you can—do it?”

A thump in his chest.

As much as he hated her trying to do this it was oddly…helpful?

Maybe he… could move on with Gangle?

He scoffed again.

This was too much. “Forget it. But thanks I guess.”

“O—oh, you’re welcome. We can go now. I’ll stop. But uh—you won’t uh—pee on me, will you? On the way? Like you did in the pit?”

A sneaky grin formed on Jax’s face, “How do ya know I haven’t already, baby cakes? Besides, maybe I have other things I can launch at ya.”

Jax chuckled darkly at her retch of disgust, the rabbit leading her into what looked like a cave.

They crept inside, a loud growl coming from inside.

Oh hell yeah.

Maybe this was the chaos he wanted and needed to get his mind off his own agony.

Pomni yelped as Jax shoved her down the path, “Ladies first—!”

They sauntered off into the darkness, ready to get this stupid quest over with.

“Hey Pomni?” He asked in the dark, “How much ya wanna bet we have to climb into something’s mouth?”

***

“Night”

Jax waited in his room—waited for Gangle, rubbing the spot on his cheek that Zooble punched while they were in that cave. 

The punch was totally worth it to throw her into that pit but d%#> did his face hurt.

And Pomni…who knew she had it in her to yank a giant tooth out of a monstrous beast?

Maybe they really could fit as friends.

His chest thumped at that.

First Gangle, now Pomni?

F ^%€, What next? Was he going to kiss Kinger?

He shivered at the thought. 

He let out another groan of pain, freezing as his door slowly opened.

Gangle.

She was there in the doorway.

She shut the door, a book in hand.

She was here.

Her and him.

Once again.

“Have—“ Gangle swallowed, still by the door, “H-have you decided, Jax? What you want?”

He was sitting on his bed, thinking, “Read to me?”

“Wh-what?”

“One more story—one more bedtime story—and,” He swallowed, I’ll have an answer for you—about what we are. I promise.”

She stared at him for a minute, debating—ribbons thumping—wondering if she could trust this—trust him—if maybe this was still a sick joke—but he seemed genuine—as genuine as Jax could be…

Should she?

She gripped the book she brought.

She had brought one after all…maybe, secretly hoping they’d read?

And despite whatever Jax decided…she really did want another story too…just…one more…wouldn't hurt…right?

“Okay—one more—like usual—Then you’ll tell me?”

“Yes.”

She crawled into her designated spot, Jax making room for her, the ghost of their previous night haunting their thoughts with the utmost torture.

They scooted closer to each other without thinking about it—Jax’s arm twitching as if to try and hold her.

He didn’t.

Gangle’s mask almost faced him—lips quivering as if to kiss him.

She didn’t.

They stayed in their spots, Gangle with her book in her hands, and Jax beside her, both holding back every urge to…do more.

“Aren’t you going to start?” Jax whispered. 

“You threw Zooble into a pit—“

“Yeah, I did—“

“Why?”

“I don’t know—“ He said, “I was bored I guess.”

“Was it because of me?”

“Maybe…”

“You threw Pomni at the beast.”

“I did—“

She opened the book to the first page, “Um—You meant it? You’ll have your decision about me after this?” She refused to look at him—to look into those eyes, “You’ll tell me?”

She kept her eyes on the book.

Jax was looking at her—he couldn’t stop looking at her, “Yeah, crybaby,” His breath hit her ribbons, “I promised.”

The way he said it now… ”Crybaby”… something about his tone…seemed different…

Gangle shuddered, “You—you lie a lot.”

“I’m done lying to you.”

“We’ll see.”

“You will.”

She gripped the book tighter, “I’m going to read now.”

Another breath, “Okay.”

She cleared her throat, Jax’s hand just ever so barely touching her arm.

Chills spread through her, “O-once upon a time—there—was a—um—a princess—“

“Lover.”

She stopped, “Wh-what?”

“That’s my pick. Let’s Date—“ He nuzzled in closer, “Ya wanted to date me right?” Arms wrapping around her, “Let’s date—“

“But—“ She dropped the book onto the floor, “This morning—you hated this—you hated that you liked me—you couldn’t stand that you liked me—“

“Whatever, f%#> me. I’m stupid, Gangle. I’m an idiot. I’d be even stupider not to try this—I—“ He almost didn’t say it, “I can do this…”

“R-really?” She nuzzled in too, “You mean it? You—want this? Us?”

Please don’t be tricking me…please…

He planted his lips on her cheek, “Yes, Gangle…I mean it…” He wiggled his brows, “Let’s date.”

She looked him over— really looking into his eyes as he said it.

She turned pink, beaming, “Oh, Jax—! You do mean it!”

“Sure do—now c’mere—“

She pulled him into a hug, letting him kiss her mask as she cuddled him with glee.

Their giggles echoed throughout the room, Pomni under the bed with shaking limbs and a hand clapped over her own mouth.

Dating?!

The two of them?!

Oh this was even crazier than she thought.

F%#€—oh f^%#—why did she let Ragatha and Zooble talk her into this… ?!