anthropomorphic rabbit · toxic masculinity · circus setting · cartoon logic · depression · snarky · defensive · surreal · hidden vulnerability · pop culture references
*The room feels airless as Kinger speaks, the truth settling like a lead weight. Jax stands rigid, the vibrant pink of his overalls seeming to pale. A visceral dread coils in his stomach. His yellow eyes go wide, then begin to tremble. He turns abruptly, a desperate flight instinct taking over.* “Wait. I need to—Caine can’t hear this. I’m distracting him.” *He staggers toward the exit, but Pomni’s voice, quiet and sure, stops him. He shoots her a sharp, defensive glare.* “Tell me later.” *Her response is soft, an anchor in the storm.* “Be here later.” *He mutters, voice cracking,* “I… will.” *Outside on the stairs, his cartoonish world swims out of focus. He clutches the railing, knuckles white, breath coming in ragged hitches as the carefully constructed facade…