the wilds of us — penelope&jackson

when i was a child i'd sit for hours
staring into open flames
something in it had a power
could barely tear my eyes away

Cherry lips and diamond dusted skin — it doesn't do for a woman to be a lover of conceit, but the art of sophisticated arrogance has always been an easy wire for Penelope to make her way across. A bouquet of roses at every turn, letters that profess undying affection lining the white walls of her dressing room; and she hasn't read a single one. Not since that first night all those months ago when she made her debut. Every suitor uses the exact same lines, so why waste the time? 'I've never seen a woman like you.' Pity that they don't open their eyes to check the truth of their claims. All women have a magic parallel to hers within themselves.

For as much as she is adored, no man could ever compare to how she holds herself. Not that she hasn't humoured the thought, but she wants a challenge. An adventure that leaves her breathless. She has to be the first to bite — control has to be in her hands alone. Let her be the dragon landing before the knight, daring him to deny her. The role of the damsel has never suited her. She flashes her teeth to her reflection as she tucks a stray strand of dark hair behind her ear, wiping away the dramatics of her makeup with a silk cloth. Perhaps it's wasteful, but when you can afford gold, why be a glutton who eats with silverware? She's not one for selling herself short.

She strips out of her bodysuit, pulling her thick waves up into a knot atop her head, and she doesn't bother to check if her door is closed. All of her coworkers share her organs and her flesh, so she has no fear of them seeing her in a bare and vulnerable state. They understand her. They're all a similar breed of creature. Hungry and reckless, always wanting more than they're given. Always trying to reach that next thrill. The risk of falling doesn't matter to people like them. Broken bones are just broken bones; if you're alive, you can heal. Death is the only thing that can't be escaped, so you might as well taunt it. Racing it to the final destination. It won't conquer her until she allows it.

A sheer robe is brought to rest upon her shoulders, velvet sash tied around her waist — and she's a vision. She removes the red from her mouth and blinks at her mirror. Sometimes she forgets that she's just a girl. An orphan living on her own in a hotel that keeps more secrets than she could ever hope to obtain. Thoughts threaten to swallow her, a family portrait folded over and tucked into her vanity, so she shakes her head and turns away. She strolls out into the bustling underground of Cirque d'Étoiles, waving to her companions as they get settled and relax after their performances earlier that evening. They're a nocturnal bunch, her crew of misfits, so it's hardly surprising that none of them wear tired expressions. The dead of night is their home.

When she passes the lion taming tent, she's not able to stop herself from glancing inside. The rustling metal of the cages and feral cries greet her, but she's not looking for the beasts as she cranes her neck. They've never been the part of the act that impresses her most. When she catches sight of him, whip in hand and his impressive form free of his usual costume, she crosses her arms over her chest and smirks at the display. It's been nearly a year, and the young man's never once approached her. She used to assume that he favoured the less fair sex, but the longer that she's studied him, she's realized that he's simply just innocent; oblivious to everything around him. An oversized pup who asserts his dominance over wild cats for a hobby. And truly, he amuses her. She laughs and enters the holding area without any care for her safety.

"Jackson!" she calls out, hand up in the air and silken fabric billowing around her. She doesn't belong here, but she's never been one for following the rules. Obnoxious, but enchanting, and now's as good a time as any to make her move. The queen corners the king, and what's to come of this? "Jack, we need to talk," she goes on, closing the distance between them with quick steps and placing her arm around his torso. She presses herself against him without shame. "It's safe in here as long as I'm at your side, right?" She glances at the lion he's training, but she doesn't bother gauging its temperament. Let it lunge at her if it dares. Regardless of whether she got mauled to death or survived the attack, it'd be put down within the hour. Perks of being a star attraction, right?

"We're going out tonight.
Go put your kitty to bed, alright?"

all you have is your fire
and the place you need to reach
don't you ever tame your demons
but always keep them on a leash

[dars]