The Masquerader and the Jester [Rascal x Female Reader]

Chapter 13: Nighttime Waltz

You follow his line of sight, nodding. "Yeah, you're right. I never noticed how beautiful the flowers look under the moonlight. Then again, most people aren't hanging out in their backyards at 3 a.m."

"But we aren't most people, are we?" A faint chuckle leaves him before he tilts his chin up to peer at the full moon. His gaze softens as an uncharacteristic display of peace appears on his face.

"I guess not." Your vision alternates between the jester and the luminous silver moon above. It was placed amidst a sea of sparkling stars, bathing the darkened landscape with a brilliant glow. There were no clouds to obstruct its presence in the vast expanse of the inky sky. The corners of your mouth curve into a small smile as you admire the splendid scenery. "Can you believe we'll be up there soon? I know we're not going with innocent intentions, but I'm still so excited to actually step foot on the moon."

"I think you'd like it. It's an enchanting place." Rascal leans back, humming in content. "I've only visited twice...without my master's permission. The Lunar Empire is universally famous for its delicious star cakes. When I first went to the moon, I went through a crazy amount of trouble just to try one."

You laugh, imagining the possible havoc Rascal could've wreaked for some galactic dessert. "Are they really that good? I find it hard to believe you would disobey Emperor Nogo for any reason."

"Yes, they really are worth trying. I was much more willing to defy his orders in the past, even for some star cakes. It's hard to describe their taste, but they have a dreamy flavor. Whenever I eat one, I want to dance the night away and do the most wonderful things."

"Is that so? If I get you some, will you stop attacking the Glitter Force and trying to destroy the universe? That would be a wonderful thing to do!"

He chokes out a laugh, shaking his head. "Not a chance! There's a difference between wanting to do something and actually following through with it."

"Well, at least I tried!" You let out a dismal sigh, making a mental note to try a star cake during your trip to the moon. The thought of a dessert being so delicious that it could inspire Rascal to do some good was enough to pique your interest. While you mull over its supposed dreamy taste, your mind slowly drifts to Emperor Nogo. "Rascal, why didn't you ever tell me the name of your master in the past? Why did I have to find out through Pop and the Glitter Force? We spent so much time together, and you only referred to Nogo as your master. I thought we were..." Your mouth immediately snaps shut for fear of finishing that sentence. Several bittersweet memories flood your mind at once, which you struggle to restrain.

Rascal's smile wavers as he lightly rubs the nape of his neck. He opens and closes his mouth multiple times, contemplating the right words to say. Eventually, his black, hollow eyes meet yours, leading him to grimace. "I...can't tell you that!"

"Why not?" you snapped. "Now that I think about it, you were always so secretive with me. It's not fair! I never knew about the dark side of your personality, the evil emperor you serve, or where you lived. I actually thought you were good, like a superhero! You always popped in and out of sight to distract me with circus tricks and fun times while concealing who you really are. Why did I have to learn about you through other people?" Frowning, you cross your arms and huff, hoping your anger gets across to him.

Rascal becomes quieter and less animated as he stares at you with downturned eyes. "You wouldn't understand...not now, anyway. The timing isn't right!"

"Will it ever be? You know much more about me than I know about you."

His pointed ears droop slightly upon hearing your harsh tone. "If everything goes according to plan, then yes. Telling you now would ruin everything. You don't realize what I'm doing or why, but later you will understand." Judging by his facial expression alone, you knew there was more Rascal wanted to say. But for whatever reason, he remained silent.