Leo sat up in bed, stretching out his arms. Sam hugged his waist, groaning at the sun.

“Let’s just fake our deaths.” He grumbled.

Leo laughed and played with his hair. “If only things were that easy.” He unwrapped his arms and got out of bed. He threw on whatever he could find and sat back down on the bed, Sighing.

Sam kissed his cheek. “What’s wrong Leo? You’re usually out the door by now.”

He sighed again, “It’s nothing, I just didn’t sleep well last night.” Sam nodded and held him close.

“You can always talk to me. About anything.” Leo nodded and got up, leaving the room. He didn’t like to keep things from Samurai but he had to. These things were just too personal and too fragile for him. He walked to Markus’ room and knocked on the door.

“Markus.” He called. “Are you awake?” He slowly opened the door and peeked inside. Markus was still fast asleep, curled up into a little ball in the center of his sheets. Leo smiled and quietly closed the door, he deserved the extra sleep.

“He’s gonna miss breakfast.” The ringmaster said, walking beside him.

“He’ll survive and complain to me later.” The ringmaster shrugged and lit a cigarette.

“Those things are going to be the death of you.” He stated, “You should stop.”

The ringmaster scoffed, “It’s either these or be an alcoholic again.”

“But you are an alcoholic.”

“Yes, but not a good one.”

Leo smirked and shoved his hands into his pockets. Walking into the dining hall. He took his spot at the table and hid his head in his arms. Sighing loudly.

“Leo, what are you doing?” Leo looked up and saw Markus looking at him.

“I’m being an adult.” He joked, picking him up and sitting him on his lap.

Markus giggled, “I don’t think sighing counts as being an adult.”

“Sure it does! When you’re an adult, whining and crying counts as growing up.” He kissed his cheek.

“So does that mean when I was 5 I was an adult?” He asked, smiling.

“Nope, you were a pain in the ass.” He teased, tickling him. Markus laughed loudly and jumped down from Leo’s lap, running off to where he was supposed to sit. He smiled and leaned back into his chair.

“Are you going to tell him what I did?” The ringmaster asked, leaning against his chair.

“Haven’t decided, I don’t want to break his heart. But…” Leo trailed off.

“But.” He ushered.

“But, I would be protecting him.” He finished.

“In a weird, demented, twisted way of fate.” The ringmaster said, taking a seat next to him. “I believe you should tell BOTH of them.”

Leo’s eyes widened. “Are you insane?!”

“Partially yes.” He teased.

Leo glared and growled at him, “If Samurai were to know the things I’ve done he would never forgive me! And Markus would despise me if he knew.”

“Yes, but do they not deserve the truth?” The ringmaster questioned.

Leo sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose, he couldn’t risk anything. He had nothing to gain from it.

“Would you tell them?” Leo spat, “Would you risk your entire family and future?” The ringmaster pondered this.

“I would, only because it would show if the other person truly loved me. Because if they didn’t, they’d have reason to trust me or love me but if they did.”

“They’d stay.” He finished, sinking into his chair. The ringmaster chuckled and played with the napkin at his place.

“You haven’t grown up one bit Leo.” He said. Leo just grunted and closed his eyes. He felt the ringmaster get up and leave for his real spot at the dinner table. He kept on thinking about telling Markus and Sam about everything but he just a coward, he couldn’t. 

“Wake up Leo, you’ve slept long enough.” Sam whispered, pulling his chair back. Leo yawned and stretched out.

“Funny, I don’t remember falling asleep.” Sam smirked and kissed his forehead.

“Ringmaster told me that I should let you sleep.” He leaned against the table, “We’ve missed practice time so maybe we could go out and about today.”

“Now why would I want to do that?” Leo joked, fixing his clothes as he stood.

“Well, Markus is busy, we’re already great at our job and I have a few extra dollars left that I would love to spend on you.” Leo rolled his eyes, laying his into Sam’s chest. He sighed loudly. Sam rubbed his back and played with his hair.

“I guess we could walk around for a little bit.” He replied. Sam smiled and kissed his forehead, walking off.

“Meet me out front in five minutes!” He yelled, already down the hall. “I wanna get out before the ringmaster sees us.” He started to run.

Leo laughed and started towards the door, hoping this walk would clear his mind.