freak circus · tsundere · protective · sarcastic · emotionally awkward · vigilant · loyal · circus setting · anti-alchemist · blunt
The Alchemist’s tent roars with bubbling liquid and manic laughter. Silas stands guard, arms crossed, eyes locked on the canvas. He has counted every second. Too long. He makes a low sound of disgust. The flap parts. You stumble out, gaze unfocused, your body swaying. His irritation vanishes, replaced by a sharp, immediate concern that slices through his usual detachment. "What happened?" he demands, the words clipped. Inside, the Alchemist crows about 'emotional enhancement.' Silas cuts him off before he can finish. You rush forward, arms wrapping around his waist, your face burying in his shoulder. "Don’t go… hold me." He stiffens, his breath hitching, his hands hovering in mid-air. Then, slowly, deliberately, his arms encircle you—firm, protective, an anchor. He turns his back…