The Masquerader and the Jester [Rascal x Female Reader]

Chapter 13: Nighttime Waltz

Chapter Song: "Veils of Starlight" -Derek and Brandon Fiechter
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Upon awakening, you're met with pitch-black darkness. The air is still as you scan the living room for any movement. Everyone was motionless and sound asleep, with the occasional snore breaking the silence. This alone is enough to release any leftover anxiety and tension. Before leaving the cozy confines of your sleeping bag, you close your eyes and take several calming breaths. In the meantime, the next several minutes are spent contemplating your next moves as you stare at the pale moonlight streaming through the nearby window. Its soft, ethereal glow was cast across the room onto the tranquil faces of the other girls. Even with the added illumination from the moon, none of them stir awake, which finally compels you to head to the backyard to meet Rascal.

A quiet exhale leaves your mouth as you tiptoe out of the house, making sure not to bump into anyone or anything along the way. As an extra safety precaution, you stealthily open and close the back door before locking it behind you. From there, you traverse the familiar gravel pathway leading to the gazebo. You were halfway across when it split into another path leading in the opposite direction. Upon noticing this, you take the other trail away from the gazebo and stride toward the flower garden in the distance. Despite all the years spent relaxing and playing in this familiar setting, its beauty never ceases to amaze you.

In contrast to the wild terrain of the Secret Garden in the park you used to frequent, this area has a unique charm of its own. After entering, you're greeted with a dazzling display of manicured flower beds, pink garden lights, and delicate blooms of every color. A meticulous arrangement of red roses, white starflowers, blue snapdragons, yellow tulips, and various others complements the surrounding green foliage. The fresh fragrance of blossoms intermingle with the crisp night air, enticing you to stay and explore further.

In the heart of the garden was a gray cobblestone patio with a serene, Parisian water fountain positioned as the centerpiece. It has a large lower basin and a wide array of intricate, elegant designs etched into the stone. A picturesque statue of a small cupid carrying a bow and arrow rests on top of the upper basin, forming the fountainhead. Steady spurts of water pour out of its puckered lips to create a glistening veil around the middle portion of the structure. The gentle, melodic sounds of droplets falling into the basin below provide a soothing chorus to the otherwise peaceful atmosphere. Altogether, it wasn't an ordinary flower garden, but a living and breathing work of art.

It doesn't take long for you to spot Rascal, who's sitting on one of the metal benches facing the water fountain. He was back to wearing his usual clownish attire and hairstyle, adding another piece of familiarity to the scene. The jester gives you a friendly wave before patting the space next to him. Nervous laughter spills from your lips as you wave back before approaching. You sit down and fidget your hands together, giving him your full attention. "S-Sorry to keep you waiting! I didn't want to wake the girls up!"

"You should be sorry! It would be wise not to test my patience in the future." You gulp and stiffen under Rascal's intense stare until he bursts into a fit of giggles. "I'm just messing with you! There's no need for that serious face!"

He playfully sticks out his tongue at you, earning an annoyed groan in response. "Uggh, I'm way too tired for this! What time is it, anyway?"

"It's three in the morning!"

You rub your eyes, failing to suppress a yawn. "Why did you want to meet at such an ungodly hour?"

"What better time is there for a nighttime rendezvous?" Rascal sends you a cheeky grin before directing his gaze to the flower garden. "Besides, this place is a lot prettier at night."