One Shots

Dagger

The Knife-Thrower 

You have just been promoted from second-tier member to first-tier member and you could not be more excited. You have been working there for quite some time now. Well, you wouldn’t call it working, but more over, your life really. The circus has accepted you in more ways than one. You really felt like you belonged, like you are family. They might not be blood and a little broken, but you didn’t have anyone else. Your family left you in the streets, abandoning you. Then the circus found you and took you in right away. It felt like you had a debt to be settled, but you weren’t sure how to settle it.
It’s not that it was a bad family there. You say “broken” because that’s what some of them are. Joker is missing his right arm. Beast and Dagger are missing their left leg. You once heard that Jumbo was abused by his parents. Doll is missing an eye, which explains her hair covering that side of her face. Also, Snake wasn’t accepted anywhere else, except at the circus. (Not much is known on the back story of Peter and Wendy.) You feel like the circus is your home because this is the only place that has accepted you.
But there is a problem. You have fallen in love with Dagger. He amazes you with his 100% accuracy when he throws his knives. You try to talk and hang out with him as much as you can, but every time Beast walks by, his eyes pop out of his sockets and he doesn’t listen to a word you say. You were frustrated with this, but you didn’t know what to do about it. You were too shy to just straight up tell him how you feel, because you were afraid he wouldn’t listen or shoot you down.
One morning, while you are heading out to the tent where food is served, you see Beast and Dagger. Despite not wanting to see Dagger go all “goo-goo eyes” over Beast, you still decide to be nice and say hello. You walk up to them noticing that Beast is a little frustrated. Before you had the chance to walk up, Beast storms off with Dagger following her. Sighing, you continue walking to the eating tent.
You sat alone, and away from everybody, picking at your food. Joker comes and sits next to you with his tray. “Oi, is somethin’ bothering ‘ee, (Your name)?”  He asks. “Oh, hello, Joker.” You say looking his way now. “It's Dagger again, isn’t it?” He wonders suddenly. You blush a little and look down at your food again. “Yeah.. It is.. I just don’t know what to do.. He loves Beast.” You admit, opening up. “Why don’t ye just tell him how ‘ee feels?  I’m sure he will understand.” Joker says. “I don’t know, Joker.” You say a little unsure. “How ‘bout ye talk to Dagger after the show, tonight? It will give ‘ee time to think about what to say. Until then, keep head up and hope for the best. ” The ring leader suggests. “You’re right. I think I will.. Thanks.” You look up and smile at him. “Tis’ no problem, (Your name). Would ye like some company while ye eat?” He asks. ”T’would be nice.” You say.
That night, you are getting ready backstage to do your performance. ‘And, done. Perfect.’ You think to yourself while you look in a mirror. So far, Jumbo, Peter and Wendy, Black and Suit, and Doll, have all gone. Leaving Snake (who was now up), Dagger and Smile, Beast with Betty, and then you to perform. You see Dagger and Smile waiting for their turn so you took this chance to ask him to talk. You walk up to Dagger and Smile shyly and tap Dagger’s shoulder. He turns and smiles at you. “ ‘Ello, (Your name).” He greets. Smile just looks at the two of you. “Hey, Dagger.. I ‘ave a question..” You twiddle your thumbs a bit. “Ask away! But it will ‘ave to be quick, Snake is almost done.” “I-it is.. I was wonderin’ if.. we could talk after the show? I need to tell ye something.” You ask nervously. “Of course!” Dagger smiles a little more as Snake finishes. “R-really?” ‘He actually said yes! Now all I need to do is actually gain the courage to tell him….. Oh boy..’ “Yeah, of course.” You hear Joker announce for Dagger and Smile. “Well, I ‘ave to be going now. See ya soon!” He then walks out on stage with Smile.
After their performance, came out Beast with the tiger, Betty. “’Ee did great tonight.” You try to tell Dagger. He doesn’t hear you and is mesmerized with Beast’s performance. ‘Or don’t hear me.. That’s fine too..’  You think.
As soon as Beast is done, you step out on stage. “Last, but certainly not least is (Your name)! (Your name)’s act tonight will leave you wanting more! Take it away!”Joker announces then leaves the stage. You start your performance by doing some of your signature moves. Then you start to kick it up a notch by doing new, a little more advanced, moves that you have been working on. The crowd is in awe while watching you perform your tricks. You hear “Ooh” and “Ah” ‘s coming from the audience. After you have finish, you strike a pose and receive a standing applause. Then Joker comes out and dismisses the audience.
On your way out of the performing tent, you receive several compliments on your act. “Thank ye so much.” You thank the strangers. “(Your name)!” You hear a familiar voice call. You turn to see Dagger running towards you. “Hey. (Your name).” Dagger smiles. “Ye wanted to see me?” You feel your face heat up. “Yeah, I did. Come with me.” You bring Dagger to an isolated spot where no one else could hear you and Beast was no where to be found, as mean as it sounds. “Right here is fine.” You say as both of you stop walking. “Everything be okay? Am I in trouble?” Dagger asks. “No, tis’ nothing like that.” You answer. “All right. What did ya want to talk to me ‘bout?” “Well..” You start. You’re not exactly sure how to tell him. Maybe you should hint at it? Or maybe you should tell him straight up? You gather up the nerve to finally speak again. “I like you Dagger..” You blurt out. Blushing, you look away shyly. “I like ‘ee too, (Your name) We be friends, right?” He smiles friendly. ‘ Did I just get friend-zoned?..’ “N-no, not like that..” You feel your heart drop a bit. “What do you mean?” He asks confused. “I-I like you, more than a friend.” You blush more looking down. “Oh. I see.” You feel Dagger just look at you.
Still looking at the ground, you feel someone kiss your cheek. “I don’t see why I can’t give ye a chance.” You look up, shocked. “What?” “Yeah! I would be lucky to be with someone like ye. ‘Ee is a great person to be around! I can give ye a chance.” You smile big not believing what you’re hearing. Dagger is actually giving you a chance to be with him. You couldn’t be more happy.  “ ’wesome.” You say. “Now, let’s get to bed. We ‘ad a long day. We will talk more tomorrow, ya?” He hold out his hand. “Yeah, okay.” You can’t stop smiling as you grab his hand and hold it on the way to your tent. Once to your tent, you and him say good night then Dagger kisses your cheek again, leaving. You couldn’t wait to thank Joker tomorrow.
 
-THE END-