The Masquerader and the Jester [Rascal x Female Reader]

Chapter 10: Behind The Curtain

Chapter Song: "The Swan" -Camille Saint-Saëns

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A sprawling expanse of tall grass and wildflowers sway quietly in the gentle breeze as the sweet scent of citrus fills the air. Large groves of orange trees ripe with white blossoms and succulent fruit surround the blue meadow in the clearing. All the small lanterns hanging from its branches illuminate the dusky purple sky with golden hues. A teenage girl dances underneath the orange orchards in the soft lantern light. Short, black curls caress the sides of her face, framing her rosy cheeks and painted red lips. She wore a white sugar-loaf hat and garments resembling a Black Dahlia. Her frilly dress billows and twirls around as she dances, providing a glimpse of her bare legs. You stand a good distance away, watching the scene unfold.

The sound of a twig breaking snaps the young girl out of her cathartic state. Immediately, she turns in your direction with a hint of curiosity in her brown eyes. "Who are you, and why are you here?"

You're about to open your mouth to answer when another voice speaks over. "P-Pardon me, I-I didn't mean to interrupt." A teenage boy clad in all white emerges from the dense thicket of orange trees behind you. You instantly recognize him by his loose-fitting garb, ruffled collar, black felt hat, and clown makeup. "I was collecting some oranges for dinner in the fields and couldn't help but admire your dancing. B-But I'll take my leave! Sorry for bothering you!"

"You didn't bother me! What's your name?" asked the girl.

"P-Pierrot!"

"How funny!" The girl covers her mouth to chuckle. "Your name sounds very similar to mine. I'm Pierrette!"

The young clown takes several steps forward, passing through your apparitional form. "Golly! How the stars have aligned! I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. Tell me, Pierrette, do you believe fate has brought us together on this lovely night?" A faint glow appears on his cheeks as he sends her a bashful smile.

"Who knows! Why should I bother my pretty little head with such silly things? I live in the moment and go wherever I please. Fate has no say in my life or my future."

"Well, I suppose free will does play a big role in our lives. But I pray you are using yours well."

"Oh, I am," Pierrette said, giggling. "I wouldn't want to live life any other way than I do now. My life's purpose is to laugh, dance, have fun, and be admired."

"I can certainly help with that last part." A slight tinge of pink appears on Pierrot's white cheeks as he approaches her. "Would a fair lady like yourself care for a dance partner?"

"I wouldn't be opposed, but why are you so smitten with me? I've had plenty of boys fall in love with me and give me their hearts, but never have they fallen for me as quickly as you have. We just met, and you barely know me."

"That's true! We aren't well-acquainted and there's still so much about you that I don't know. But I've loved what I've seen in such a short time. Not only are you radiant, but you have a passion for dance and possess a fierce, independent spirit. I would be honored if you granted me the privilege of getting to know you better."

"You're such a silly clown!" Pierrette laughs, twirling a thick strand of her dark hair. She draws closer to Pierrot until they are only a few inches apart. "Spending time with you would be very entertaining. But there's something about me that you must know." The moment this sentence leaves her mouth, the scene fades to black.

For a while, everything remains in an empty state of deafening silence. That is until another episode begins to materialize and play out. There was still the same setting of the blue meadow and orange trees, but unlike last time, the two teenagers appeared to have aged a couple of years. The pale, full moon shines down upon the waltzing pair under a tapestry of shimmering stars. Pierrot leads the dance with an unforeseen confidence as he guides Pierrette in time with the music. A vintage phonograph was placed far off to the side, playing a beautiful Chopin piece. The two of them continue to twirl and glide across the grass as one. You gaze at the dancing pair, admiring the fluidity and preciseness of their movements.