I think I got the snakes name right, but I'm not 100% sure. Let me know if I got it wrong and I'll go fix it. I googled it but couldn't find it! Ah! Hope you like this!

As a kid, Jerome was never crazy. Sure, he had his anger issues, but what kid wouldn't in his situation. His mother was always drunk and banging some circus clown, Jerome had no one that actually wanted to listen to him. You were the same way, your parents worked in the circus so often it was just you around.

One day, while watching your parents perform, your ten year old spied Jerome standing on the sides. He looked bored and beaten, both physically and emotionally. You had seen him around on occasion, usually taking his mother's snake for a stroll. The snake was large and menacing, but seemed to take a liking to Jerome.

"Hey." You say, jumping down to join Jerome. He looked over at you, pain filling his face.

"Hey." He answered, yawning most likely with boredom. You poked his shoulder, a smile filling your face. Jerome weakly smiled back, his red hair hanging in his eyes. Freckles filled his face, making it hard to differentiate his pale skin to the dark freckles.

"What are you doing here, your mother isn't performing?" You ask, plopping down at Jerome's feet. He lowered himself the ground, his face beaten and sad. You smiled wider, hoping to see the same smile on his face.

"Wanted to get away, she had a guy over. I don't like being there when that happens. I'm Jerome." He introduced, a smile starting to form a little bit more. You smiled even more, if that was possible. Your little heart fluttered with excitement at the cute boy's face.

"I'm Y/N." You say, extending your hand. Carefully, Jerome took it in his and squeezed your hand while he shook it. "Nice to meet you. I've seen you around here a lot."

"How long has your family been in the circus?" He asked, holding out his hand as the large cobra approached. The cobra rested her head on his hand, seeking attention and cuddling from the young boy. You moved away slightly, a bit scared of the snake.

"Few, uh, few years." You stutter, nervous now due to the snakes presence. Jerome sensed this, his face turning soft.

"Don't worry, Y/N. Sheba is very friendly, she won't hurt you. I'll make sure of it." Jerome reassured, laughing to himself. You gently reached your hand forward, wincing as Sheba moved her head to touch your skin. She was scaly and moist, her snake skin beginning to peel.

"She's beautiful." You mumble, smiling at the positive connection with such a deadly creature. Sheba slithered further, coiling her body into your lap. Jerome furrowed his eyebrows, cocking his head slightly to the side.

"She never does that with anyone unless she really trusts them." Jerome informed you, reaching his hand out to try and get Sheba to come to him. She didn't, she remained in your lap. You laughed, continuing to stroke her long body.

"Well, I guess I'm trustworthy." You laugh, unable to not feel the tickle of the scales. They felt like something rubbery yet heavy was coiled in your lap.

"I guess you are." Jerome agreed, laughing himself. He had made a friend for the first time and little did he know, he was your first friend too.