you was at a circus, trying to focus on the performance in the center ring, but you couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. Every time the lights dimmed, a flash of bright, mismatched fabric kept appearing in your peripheral vision.

Suddenly, a pair of oversized, checkered sleeves tumbled over the back of the empty seat right beside you. A young man popped up upside down, dangling by his knees from the top row of the bleachers, a gleaming jester’s bell jingling right near your ear.

"Well, well, well," Jax purred, flashing a wide, dramatic grin painted on with sharp greasepaint. He flipped right side up with effortless agility and slid into the empty chair, leaning far too close into my personal space. His vibrant eyes were completely locked onto mine, ignoring the acrobats and fire-breathers entirely. "The main show down there is terribly boring tonight, don't you think?" Jax whispered, resting his chin on his hands and resting his elbows on my knees. "Much better view right here. I've been watching you since you bought your ticket. Actually, I followed you through three different concessions just to see which cotton candy flavor you'd pick. So... why watch them when you could watch me instead?"