The Joy of Laughter (Laughing Jack X Reader)

-3- Cotton Candy

A familiar tune rips you from dreamland. You roll over and grab you phone.

'Call from, The Kase Master,' you slide the talk button over then answer in a groggy voice, "Sup?"

"Hey, wow your still sleeping? Guess I can't say I'm surprised. It is you. Did ya stay up all night writing or reading?" Kasey asks in a wise all-knowing tone.

"Writing," you laugh. Some would say she knows you too well. "What 'cha need?" you ask, sitting up.

"Right!" she exclaims. "Josh brought me home a new horror book! It's one I think you might like. I won't have time to read it anytime soon so I'm gonna let you borrow it first."

"Oh, cool, thanks! What's it called?"

"Not sure. I will have to get back to you on that. Just thought I would tell you before I forgot."

A loud voice makes its way to the phone.

"Not now, Alisa, mommy is busy," Kasey responds. "Sorry I have to go. Alisa Is going on and on about a new friend I have to come meet. Apparently he is really cool."

"No problem. Go be a mom and hang out with your kids," you encourage.

"Alright, talk later."

"Talk later." The other line goes dead so you hang up as well.

You slide yourself from bed, then head to the living room for some good old wake up time. The time buzzes by with the help of mindless T.V. stealing your focus. You roll off the couch and land roughly on the floor with a huff whistling through your lips. You get to your feet, then off to your room for real world clothes.

You gather a typical outfit that you would wear, then make your way to the kitchen for breakfast--well lunch--considering the time.

After some digging and deciding, you happily land on a bowl of cereal.

Back in front of the mindless moving picture box, you quickly consume your assembled food, then head out around '1:30ish', to the carnival.

You grab your keys and wallet, then walk out the front door; locking it behind you. A few turns and a little bit of climbing, leads you to the border of the trees that surround the complex.

A smiles draws across your face as you step into the woods. Not too far in, and you can already hear the cheerful music, and screams of excited kids and adults alike. The excitement oozing from them, motivates you to pick up your pace. Slowly, you find yourself going faster and faster; feeling yourself become entangled in childhood delight and amusement.

With a burst of excitement, you break from the woods, only to be joyfully greeted by upbeat music and boisterous chatter floating through your ears; clear as day.

A little, enamored, squeak escapes your smiling mouth as you rush into the fun--unreasonably ready for what may await you. You jump and run, munching on snacks and going on rides, yet unable to knock the uneasy feeling of being watched.

About an hour and an half later, you hear a familiar high pitched laughter.

You look around confused, taking another clump of cotton candy from its white stick.

'Smack!'

A little body smashes into you--a head colliding with your lower back.

You twist around, a little bit of the soft candy hanging out from between your lips. You see a little brownish, red colored, head of hair with two big blue eyes sparkling up at you; a cheesy smile, accompanied by a soft line of freckles.

A laugh escapes from you as you look down at the small girl.

"Well, hiya, Alisa. You scared the click right out of me!"

She laughs, her smile widening with your comment. "Guess you have to stay on your guard better, or one day, you're gonna get got!" she speaks, jumping up a little in excitement.

"You sure are right!" you say petting her silky hair.

Right as you begin to bring your hand back, another little body collides into you, making you stumble back a little.

"And a, hiya, to you as well!" you laugh, placing your hand on the little red headed boy's head.

He looks up too, with closed eyes and a bright smile. No freckles yet, but they're sure to arrive soon. He is at about the age that Alisa first started getting hers.

"Where's Mom and Dad?" you ask, kneeling down to their height.

"That way!" Alisa says, pointing in the direction she and her brother came from.

Her brother copies her movements, bright green eyes staring at you as he smiles.

"Can I have some of your candy?" the young girl asks, now pointing at the big fluffy pink item clinging to the stick it was spun to.

"Sure," you laugh, pulling a little off for both kids.

"Yeah, that's what they need," a deep voice laughs.

"That's what the day is for!" Kasey explains, rubbing one of her hands on the tall man's chest.

"Yeah, lighten up John!" you tease, standing up.

"Oh no! He does not need to be any lighter. I don't need him floating away after he gets the kids all hyped up on sugar!" Kasey explains, turning to John, and kissing him on the lips.

"Eeewww!" Alex and Alisa whine in unison. The three adults laugh as the kids shake their heads.

"Hey, why don't I watch the little trouble makers while you two go do something together. Then you can text me when you want them back," you say, setting your hands on the two kid's heads while the three of you face the deciding couple.

The two little ones look up with pleading faces, then begin the begging persuasion.

Kasey looks over at John, unsure. Her blue eyes meet his shining green ones, a soft smirk quietly asking, please.

"Oh alright!" she gives in.

Everyone else jumps in an exited 'yes!' Then go their separate ways.

A little bit of walking and you look down to the kids. "So... what would you like to do?" you ask.

"Games!"

"Rides!" the two both scream.

"Okay, okay, okay. How about we alternate. One Game, then a ride, then another game?" you suggest with a little giggle.

The two beam in excitement.

"Yes, yes, yes!" they shout.

You let out a laugh, then stand straight, hands on hip, surveying the festivities.

A monochrome silhouette catches your eyes, holding a single red balloon. 'Strange choice of clown for an upbeat place like this,' you think quickly moving along.

"So, what do you say we do a game to start with?" you ask, quickly changing your train of thought. The kids excitedly jump, then grab your hands, and run off to the a game of their choosing.