It would have been a normal day; wake up, eat breakfast, train newcomers, lunch, practice, and then showtime. I even managed to distance myself away from Sebastian and Ciel most of the day. (Although, their prepared fish and chips was phenomenal.) Plus, Joker was allowing me to perform for tonight's show. There shouldn't have to be any complications but...

"Don't worry, Wendy! We'll get you to Doc as fast as possible," I reassured the brunette girl. She gave me a thankful smile despite the tears forming at the corners of her eyes.

Joker offered to carry her onto his back. "'Ee'll be ok once Doc takes a look at ya!" Joker, Peter, and I rushed out of the practice tent.

"B-But, Joker, who will take their place in the show?" I asked as we sprinted as fast as possible.

"Well, Camellia, you can do it," Peter chimed in. "You'll just need a partner."

I glanced at Joker and Wendy on their thoughts of the new idea. There was no looks of any objections. "Me? Are you sure?"

"Your stamina is fantastic, my dove. And, we've seen you on the flying trapeze and you know Peter and Wendy's performance well enough," Joker added in. "Unless you don't want to, of course, since you're already performing with your aerial acrobatics."

"Well anything I could do to help the circus, I'll do it," I nodded. The redhead beamed at me.

Ahead, we spot Sebastian and Ciel. I slowed my pace as an uneasy feeling set in my stomach on what's about to happen next. "Black!" The two of them stopped from wherever they were going to look back at Joker. "Miss Wendy twist'd 'er ankle, so she cun't appear in the performance 'nymore with Peter. So Black, please go out in 'er place and be Miss Camellia's partner."

"Joker," I squeaked out but he didn't seem to hear me as desperation seeped into his voice.

"The show'll be fine if ye do it, Black, so I beg of yer."

I felt Sebastian's gaze land on me and a small sliver of a smile reached his lips. I huffed, turning away and storming back to the main tent. I didn't even care about Joker, Wendy, and Peter's calls after me. Did I really have to be stuck with that man?! After last night, I can't stand being so close to him any longer!

I then perked up, when another thought came to mind. I burst out into a run to find the perfect replacement.

~*~

"Ah, yes. Maybe, that would be the easier way of doin' things," Joker nodded along. Once he had returned back to the main tent, I told him all about my new idea and how I already put it into play. "Plus, they're already such good friends!" I smiled in content, relieved things turned out the way it has.

I strolled over to the two gentlemen, who both held sour faces for one another. "Suit, Black, you mustn't hold such frowns. We're at the circus after all!"

"I was told I was going to be performing with you, milady," Sebastian grumbled out, looking at me. "Not with him."

"It wouldn't be fair to the other first-tier artists if I have gotten more performance time, now would it?" I explained with crossed arms. "You two are our best newcomers so of course it would be the two of you to replace Peter and Wendy."

"Wasn't it only Miss Wendy who was injured?" he asked next.

"Aye, but Peter and Wendy come as a pair. If one of them is out, they're both out. Plus, I doubt Peter would be able to carry all your weight, nor Suit's."

"I will not consent," the bespectacled man replied.

I turned towards him and pointed a finger. "You'll have to! It's nearly time for the two of you to go out there, it's too late now to try to get a replacement for our replacement. Plus, you're finally going to be in the show. Doesn't that excite you that you're able to perform?" The two of them held bored expressions over my speech. "I'm your superior and we need you both to perform, ok?"

"I don't fancy it, but we cannot help it, can we?" Sebastian sighed in defeat. "Let us not upset the lady any further."

"For me to cooperate with such a vermin..."

"Truly."

...

And, yet, this wasn't really the cooperation I was expecting from our newcomers. I stood at the side, appalled at their performance, which consisted of them swinging back and forth for five minutes now with no kind of physical contact. I crossed my arms in agitation, not believing one second of this insanity. But, hearing the laughter from the audience, they must believe this was a comedic act.

"What are they up to?" Beast growled from next to me. Pop! "Ack! My string tie!"

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh dear, outfit suddenly feeling tight?" I commented with a smirk.

Beast's eyes were narrowed into a glare in my direction. "Oi, shut it, Camellia," she spat at me.

"Miss, there's still time til' the encore, so please go change!" Dagger put in as he tried to cover the curly haired woman.

With one last glower at me, she decided to do just as the blond said. "I guess, I've gotta."

"Camellia, why do you and Beast hate each other? Asked Emily," Snake questioned me once she disappeared to change. Dagger and Doll's faces should be proof enough that this wasn't the topic to bring up at the moment. "When I joined, you two seemed to already be in a feud, said Goethe. Doll told me that you two used to be friends."

My topaz eyes stormed over at the question. Poor Snake just doesn't comprehend that it's... "Well, even family get into squabbles, Snake," I answered. "Jealousy can go a long way." Silence reached the four of us. I didn't want to say it, but we have been dancing around the subject for so long. It's about time that one of us says something about it. We may all act like a family who cares about one another but love surely is something that can either build up or break down. Dagger likes Beast. But Beast likes Joker. And Joker likes... If only feelings haven't developed in this way, Beast and I could've still been friends, sisters.

~Flashback~

"Congratulations on becoming a first-tier member, Camellia! You deserve it," Doll cheered, giving me a hug around my waist. Currently in the town of Blackpool, Joker told the whole circus to meet up at the practice tent after that night's performance. Once the show was done and everyone had arrived to the very tent. Joker had made the announcement, along with the other first-stringers, that I will be performing with them as an aerial acrobatic from then on. It has only been five months since I joined Noah's Ark Circus and nowhere have I thought that I would be with them so soon. I was expecting years for a day like this.

"Thank you so much everyone, I won't let you down," I beamed, as I bowed slightly.

"Of course you wouldn't!" Beast chimed while wrapping an arm around my shoulders. Of course, ever since my first day, it had been Beast and Doll mostly that helped me adapt to the circus life. I've grown very attached to the two girls, so it brought me great joy that I'll be working along with them even more.

"We already have a tent set up for you. Come on, we'll help you move in!" Doll offered while clutching onto my arm. With a laugh, I let her drag me away with Beast at tow. We reached my now-ex tent, which had my two tent-mates inside to wish me good luck and say their goodbyes.

"It's not like I'll never see you two again!" I cried as I hugged the two girls.

I didn't have much to move out of my tent in the first place, so Beast and I carried my trunk with my belongings. The three of us walked to my new tent, one I'll be resting in from now on. There, I spot the rest of the troupe waiting for us, to welcome me. "Camellia! I can't wait to work with you," Dagger told me, giving me a hug.

"Yes, congratulations Camellia," Peter and Wendy chimed in together. I beamed at the two, really appreciating the warm welcome.

"You don't have to do any physical labor, anymore, Camellia. And waking up so early in the mornings are no longer required!" Doll piped up, her adorableness surely brightening up the already happy mood.

"That's delightful," I chuckled. "I would love to sleep in later than usual."

"Hey! Not too late," Beast reprimanded me, pointing a finger at me. "If you sleep anywhere past eight, I will personally come over and wake you up myself!"

"Yes, ma'am!" I nodded, giving her a mock salute. "Although, I'm going to miss a few things. I actually did enjoy cooking and fixing costumes."

"Oooh, do cook for us anytime, Camellia!" Dagger quipped enthusiastically, nudging me in the shoulder. "I love your cooking!"

"Ha, I'll think about it."

"Why don't you check out your tent, my dear," Joker told me. I nodded and glanced inside. The tent was definitely much more spacious. What I didn't expect was there to be two beds. "Oh, Doll likes to sleep in each of our tents on different nights because she doesn't like sleeping alone."

"Oh." I glimpsed over at the freckled girl.

"Sorry, if you would like to sleep by yourself, that's fine! We don't want to force you to have me sleep with you," she bashfully said, avoiding my eyes.

"No, no, that's not the case. I would be more than happy to share a tent with you! If you really want, we'll be tent-buddies!" I told her. She cheered as she tackled me into another hug. "I'm taking that as a yes?"

"Of course! I'm going to go get all my things and move in!" She pulled away from me and burst off into a run. From what I can see, she was going into every tent. Looks like she has some of her belongings in each one. I could only giggle at her antics. She's just so precious.

"Hey, Camellia." I felt a firm grasp onto my waist. I glanced up and was met by Joker's mesmerizing violet eyes. "Tomorrow, go with me into town and help me put up some posters. It's like part of your initiation for being in the first-tier." His request struck me as odd. We had arrived to Blackpool a couple days ago and judging by how crowded the show was tonight, many of the townspeople knew of the circus. "We have to put up the posters with your name on it, of course, since you'll be performing with us from now on."

Oh, right. That makes sense. "Oh, yeah, ok!" I nodded with a smile.

"Fantastic. I can't wait," he whispered to me. He pulled away and clapped over to the others. "Alright, we must all be hungry! Plus, we have to properly celebrate for Camellia, right? Let's go to the mess hall." Everyone cheered in approval and we all began to move.

Beast came to my side, as we both trailed behind the group. "Say, what did Joker tell you just now?" she asked me out of curiosity.

"Oh, he wanted me to join him in town tomorrow to put up new posters. He said it was kind of an initiation for me," I answered.

"Really?" It was slight, but I could almost hear the sadness in her voice. But, before I could ask her what's the matter, she bared me a warm smile and wrapped her arm around my shoulders. "C'mon, we better hurry to the mess hall or everyone will eat all the food."

Maybe, I was wrong. "Yeah, let's go."

...

The day Joker took me out wasn't anything I would have expected. When we had left the circus, we went into the town in casual clothing. Seeing him in such attire was surprising, yet very appreciative. Joker wasn't one to dress like such usually, and the fact that he could walk into town with me like this was delightful. But, of course, it must be because he doesn't get noticed.

Replacing our old posters with new posters wasn't all we have done for the day. Joker decided to treat me for lunch and buy me some clothes. As much as I wanted to decline such the generous offers, the Ring Leader had insisted. We continued to have an enjoyable day together. With arms full of bags, we walked back to the circus an hour or so before the show, side by side.

"Say, Joker."

"Yes, my dove?"

"Why exactly did you take me out today?" I asked once I finally gained the courage. "This wasn't what I was expecting at all."

"I wanted to take you out, is that so bad?" he returned, a smile edging onto his handsome face.

I cocked my head slightly, narrowing my eyes at him. "Tell me the truth, Joker."

He stopped on his tracks all of a sudden. I turned towards him, waiting for his answer. Then with a wave of his hand, a bouquet of roses appeared. "Because I've grown to really admire 'ee, Miss Camellia." I gazed at him, bewildered as he continued. "I would like to court you." The redhead handed me the beautiful flowers, as he leaned closer to me. "'Ee ensnared me since your first day with such natural beauty."

I turned my face away and only I could hope that the roses would cover my crimson red blush. "You shouldn't say things like that so easily, Joker. Second-tiers will start to think I only got into the troupe because of some special treatment," I murmured out. A millions thoughts ran through my mind. Of course, it will be a problem if people think that way. I've worked hard to get to where I am and I like to believe I deserved it. I don't want people I care so much about to think otherwise. "I'm sorry I can't return your feelings."

"I'm ok if we can't be together right now, but if one day in the future I ask to court you, would you accept?" he asked me next.

My heart beat faster at his question. How could he be so confident like that? "I guess we'll have to wait and see until that day comes," I quipped in reply.

~*~

Back then, I didn't really consider what kind of feelings Beast might have had for Joker. I was a second-stringer first, and of course, I wouldn't know all the secrets of the circus. So, I didn't know about Beast's love for Joker. When I found out about this, it was too late. Beast had found out about Joker's feelings for me and began acting cold.

As much as I tried to persuade her that I would be ok with turning down Joker's feelings, she shouted at me for being so heartless for even thinking about hurting him. No matter what I did to try to fix our friendship, she would push me away icier than before.

I ended giving up on the sisterly bond we once had.

"I'm sorry, maybe I shouldn't have said that," I murmured with a bow of my head once seeing the bitter expressions on Doll and Dagger's faces. "Snake, please forget what I said." The white haired male opened his mouth to say something, but it was interrupted by the loud cheering of the audience.

"OOOOH!"

All four of us glimpsed up at Black and Suit, momentarily forgetting that they were on the flying trapeze for a moment. My eyes widened when I saw Suit soar off the swing when Sebastian had grabbed onto his cane. My heart raced as they swung together.

Miraculously, they both land on the platforms perfectly, earning boisterous cheers from the crowd.

The encore came and we all bowed before the people, gaining even more applause than before. But, by the time it all ended, I noticed Sebastian was gone. "G'job everyone!" Joker cheered as we all left the tent. "Huh? Where's Black?"

"He ran away in a flash when d'encore ended. Ya think he was holdin' in his wee?" Dagger chuckled.

I frowned. The conversation from yesterday rang in my head, "I do not sense any of the missing children here, so we need to look around from the inside for any clues." I walked along with the others, my mind clouded... Ciel must be out... looking for those clues while Sebastian was performing. And now that the butler isn't here as well, they must be...

We entered our first-tier area to go to the mess hall to eat. I slowed down my steps, falling behind the group. I turned my head to the side, where I see crates and barrels piled in between the tents. I smell him nearby... I hopped over, and right where I have guessed, I spot Ciel crouching there, his blue eye wide in shock at my presence. As he looked to be opening his mouth to say something, I smacked a hand over his mouth. "Quiet," I murmured at him. In a trance, he just nodded his head.

Then, a hissing caught my attention. My hand shot out, just inches from Ciel's body and captured a snake that was about to bite the intruder. I held up the venomous snake to observe it as it wiggled to be set free. "Hey, Camellia, what are ya doing?" I heard Dagger call out to me from outside.

I gave Ciel one last glance then emerged from behind the crates and barrels, snake in hand. "Snake, why is one of your venomous snakes slithering loose outside?" I boomed, holding out the reptilian for proof. Dagger froze at the sight of the hissing snake, nearly trembling in fear, the white haired male, however, looked surprised. "Haven't I told you before about letting your snakes loose?"

Snake hung his head as he took the snake from my hand. "I'm sorry for my carelessness that could have sent you to the next world." He then walked away to put away his snake, while Dagger walked the opposite direction to probably head to the mess hall, still shivering.

I made sure that the coast was clear, no one around us to catch us. I turned back to Ciel, who had been patiently waiting. "This way, you must hurry before anyone catches you," I commanded him. I grabbed onto his wrist and led him towards the back of the tents to a more secure, yet more rugged exit from the first-tier area.

How careless. Did Sebastian release those snakes to distract us? Where is Ciel's precious butler right now?

And why on earth did I help him even when I could've died by his command?

We ducked and crawled under poisonous ropes and were free to the other side, safe from being caught from being in the forbidden area. "You should be fine here, Smile," I told the young lad as I wiped away the dirt from my skirt.

"Why did you help me?" He screeched at me. I turned to look at him. Despite being brought out of a tough situation, he had an angry expression on his face. "You're one of them, aren't you? You could've turned me in."

"Oh? Did you want that?" I grumbled, glaring at the inconsiderate boy. "Did you not want my help? Would you rather have been caught or be bitten by those snakes?"

"N-No. But, I just don't understand why you would help me so easily. You don't know a thing about me."

Oh, or so you think, Earl Phantomhive. "Just think of it as a way of owing me," I scoffed. "Go now before I change my mind." Ciel didn't waste time to walk away from me. With a sigh, I start walking back to the first tier tents, ready to have a well needed rest.