The last time Catherine and Jest were together alone, she said they should not see each other anymore for either of their own good.
This is one night in the Heartless universe after this conversation created by me.
Contains mature content.
He sat desolate in a rocking chair, pushing it back and forth slowly and sadly with the tip of his boot. Too slowly for even the bells of his jester hat to jingle. She said never again. She couldn't be with him. The conversation played over and over in his head, his imagination coming up with different better endings only to float back to reality and depress him deeper. The smell of her hair and smooth, fair skin against his swimming endlessly in his mind. Hatta in the midst of his booming tea party took notice and went to his solemn friend.
"This is a party. A special party. Why, I threw this unbirthday party in your honor, Jest," He swung his cane towards the lively event across the room. Everyone was there, March Hare, Lion, dancing crabs entertaining the younger clams, even the Mock Turtle seemed to be enjoying himself. The air was filled with laughter, loud voices trying to be heard over each other and the aroma of many different teas, orange, peppermint, licorice. Jest wasn't in the mood for a party. He didn't know how he could even feel joy again. All he could think about was Catherine. When would he see her again? Perhaps at the King's grand proposal? His heart sank. He didn't notice two maids approaching until the were right in front of the chair. He forced his gaze up.
"Oh, um, hi court jester," The one was smiling so hard he thought her cheeks must hurt. The other was mostly looking at the floor, sneaking a quick look at his direction which made her face blush. "We were wondering if you might be willing to do a trick for us. We've seen you at the court and have been, um, I guess, fans of yours ever since". She giggled nervously twisting her bright blond hair with her plump fidgety fingers. The smaller, quiet one seemed to gather the confidence to look up and smile. He forced polite, thin lipped smile. Jest dragged himself up towards the long table of partying friends, looking back at the ladies as they followed him excitedly.
"Of course, miladies" he said.
Meanwhile...
Catherine couldn't take it anymore. Her head and heart ached for Jest. She had to see him, to be near him at least one more time. The thought of his twinkling yellow eyes looking onto her lovingly, his long strong arms holding her securely as he whisked her away, his smile, his infectious laugh. Her stomach fluttered and a wave of warmth flooded her chest all the way down her body awaking a new and urgent feeling. Would he even want to see me? Was it all smoke and mirrors of his craft or did he feel the same way?
She threw on her simplest red house dress which was embedded with pearls around the neck and hem, a dramatic sash around the waist that ended in a ridiculous bow leaving tails along the ground behind her. Catherine grabbed the sash, twisted it around her waist a few times then into a secure knot before heading towards her bedroom window. With a quick pinch to her cheeks for color, she slipped down the lemon tree, surprising herself with how smooth she handled it without the jester's strong arms to help her and ran away from the house and into the night. Now, to remember how to get to the hatters.
The trees seemed to shift and sway, as if creating a path ahead of her. It wasn't long before she could see lights in the distance. The Hatters studio already? But how was that possible? Catherine turned to see the path behind her but it was gone. The forest was dense and overgrown. "Impossible", she muttered to herself. Confused but determined, she approached the house and peered through the window.
Catherine saw the long table that her and Jest had sat together at just a few nights ago. People were laughing and applauding. Standing on the table in the middle of it all was Jest. Darbed in his ink black attire head to toe and his pointed hat moving with him in sync, he moved nimbly, swinging his long arms with cards flying out of his gloved hands. His golden eyes were concentrated on the task. The audience was in awe and let out a collective gasp when he suddenly let off a loud boom with a stomp of his boot, filling the room with smoke. The smoke swirled dancingly around their heads and turned into a rainbow of butterflies. Applause and praise exploded from the crowd. He looks happy, Cath thought. I wonder if he's even thought of me. I shouldn't have come. She watched Jest give an unenthusiastic half smile and bow dramatically before jumping down from the table. He was approached by two women who were gawking and smiling widely. Jest gave each one a kiss on the knuckle. Catherine froze, her throat went dry.
