02-11-2015, 01:42 PM
[Cole's status: Visible to anyone; memorable to Asha and Adira (once he walks away, he will likely be forgotten by all)]
Cole's gray eyes flickered over Midori as she approached, a soft smile on his lips. The fortune teller was an interesting sort. Often had Cole watched her to see what she was like. Her familiar was usually right beside her. With a slight tilt of his head, the faun shifted his position so he could see everyone instead of just Rosie. Now he was alongside them all, watching at a distance.
A familiar beat of paws caught his attention. Swiveling his pale ears toward Euriphuim, Cole immediately locked his gaze on the panther that circled him. A surge of joy moved through the faun. Adira was here. Just like the others, Cole saw her as a mother figure: she was the reason he still had any semblance of sanity left. The ringleader's kind demeanor and acceptance brought Cole more comfort than any of the others had the ability to. She, of all the circus members, always saw him. She always saw; always remembered.
Cole slowly looked back to the others, his usually neutral expression flickering with a hint of elation. Thanks to Euriphuim's antics, many of the others could see him now. He was "more real" to them; more memorable for the time being. The faun knelt to scratch the panther's belly. This beast had been a friend to him ever since he'd joined the circus. Flicking an ear, Cole continued petting the feline until he heard Adira's voice as she greeted Rosie.
Curious as to how the scene would turn out, Cole was satisfied with standing there to wait as the strong woman had her questions answered. What kinds of questions did she have, if any? Was she staying? Was she nice?
A soft breeze met his skin, and Cole tilted his head as his attention was drawn to their knife thrower. Was that Meili's doing? If anything, the faun reveled in the feeling of the gentle wind. It was real. It always felt more real, like he really did exist. It helped calm the pale youth by convincing him that not all life was a dream.
His thoughts were snapped back to reality when he realized someone was standing nearby. With a start, Cole watched Asha the Acrobat kneeling to stroke Euriphuim. His gray eyes were wide as though he might dart away at any given moment. Rarely did the others get so close. Cole did his best to stay out of their way, and was not comfortable with much close contact. The silver-haired girl's question made him hesitate.
He awkwardly stood, not sure how to respond. Did he want to go make breakfast with Asha? Not particularly. Did he want to say no? Not ... particularly. Cole's ears swiveled to the sides as he hesitated. His uncertainty faded the moment the acrobat slid her arm into his and began to pull him along.
"I-I ... well..." Hadn't the newcomer, Rosie, just mentioned why she was there? Something about joining one of the two circuses? Why was breakfast more important than this?
She was touching him. The faun's wide-eyed gaze locked on the tent ahead of them as they walked. He was tense - ready to bolt, really. Once or twice he nearly stumbled over his own feet, but they reached the food area before he had the opportunity to actually trip. Cole had calmed slightly by the time they arrived. Perhaps it was the mixture of humming and feathered wing that brushed against him? He hadn't noticed Meili following, otherwise his apprehension and skittish behavior might have returned in full force.
Shivering lightly, Cole let his gaze lock on the arm linked with his. It was awkward, and continued to be so as the faun pulled away slightly. He was uncomfortable, but didn't want to be rude....
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