Chapter Text
Apollo woke up with a start, sitting up in bed almost immediately as he rubbed his eyes. ‘Weird dream… Guess the clown stuff affected me more than I thought’ He sighed before grabbing his phone from its charger and checking the time.
Apollo hummed before getting up to get ready, turning on the tv in the background as he moved around the room. As he got ready he couldn’t help but note the odd taste in his mouth…
“The circus’s popularity has been rising, it’s become the main event of the season!
Have you seen the show William?
Absolutely! But it’s really not for the whole family. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. People are weirded out by the clowns’ designs, but they’re incredibly talented.
I actually find them quite adorable. It’s worth watching the performance. But be careful with the food at the stalls; some have been shut down. Apparently, a few people were selling food illegally near the circus.
Oh that always ends up happening.”
Apollo shut off the tv as he came back into the room properly dressed for work and with a poptart in hand as his breakfast. He left his room after turning the lights off and grabbed his bag before leaving his apartment.
Apollo walked down the street as usual, in his own head, listening to music. He was soon brought out of his thoughts though by a performer in green.
“Care to visit the circus? I bet you’ll be surprised ♪ Here, take a flyer~” ‘Well he’s definitely more upbeat compared to Pierrot…’ Apollo stared at the man for a second observing him before realizing he still hadn’t responded.
“Ah, no thank you. I already got a ticket.” Apollo looked at him apologetically while rubbing the back of his neck.
“Oh! Wonderful!! You got one? Was it a pink one, then?” The performer moved with Apollo, observing him and his reactions. ‘Damn me and my big mouth..’
“It’s a red one actually,” ‘Hopefully that’ll make him let me continue walking’
This had the opposite effect as the green suited clown stood in front of Apollo, blocking his way.
“A red one??” ‘Damn it, that just made him more intrigued didn’t it..!’
“Ah, excuse me I don’t want to be late…” A big lie, he was actually quite early but he didn’t need to know that. The performer thankfully moved out of the way but still followed after Apollo, seemingly amused.
“A red one, huh? So that Pierrot gave it to you? Interesting ♪” ‘Are the colors that important…’ “I’m the Harlequin, sir,” he puts a hand to his chest in a faux bow, “Ah! I’ve got an idea! How about we trade? I give you mine… and you give me that red one.”
“What’s the difference? Why are there even different colors??” Apollo raised an eyebrow as he saw the green ticket flash before him. But before he could even get a response Pierrot appeared behind Harlequin with a glare.
“Oh my…Speak of the devil” Pierrot quickly snatches the ticket from Harlequins hand, holding it as if it owed him money. Harlequin sighs at this, but more in an amused way. ‘Did I just walk into some act??? I don’t have time for this..’ “Such a shame you don't have a voice, huh, Pierrot?”
One step back.
“Guess you can’t say all those nasty things you’re thinking~”
Another.
“Just wait ‘till the Jester hears about this, heh!”
After a few more steps inching away Apollo was safely away from the argument and picked up the pace to make it to the cafe. Apollo quickly walked into the cafe, the bell dinging signaling his entry, he took out his headphones as he spoke, “Hey Boss, I brought the… keys.” His boss seemed to be talking to an officer, ‘thats…odd. It doesn’t seem like anyone broke in…’
“Just leave the keys on the counter, I’ll talk to you in a sec.” ‘Okayyyy, this is totally normal…’ Apollo sets the keys down and moves to clock in and grab his apron. His boss came up to him after finishing up with the officer. “Alright, was it a hassle closing the store last night?”
“N-no, it was fine… what happened though?” Apollo looked at his boss confused.
His boss looked away before speaking up, “Well… Carol didn’t come home last night. Looks like she ran away.”
Apollo looked shocked, “She ran away?? I know she had family issues but running away like that… that’s a tad weird.” He tried to think of some logical reason for her running away but found nothing and was left with more questions than before. “She didn’t show any signs that she was even thinking of this, I-I’m sure I would’ve at least noticed that much…” ‘Again…I failed to notice the signs again…’
Apollo was soon brought out of his spiraling by his boss's voice, “She must have her reasons. If she shows up here, we’re supposed to notify the police.” Apollo nodded slowly, “Carol’s probably not in a good state of mind…I’m going to start looking for a new employee, alright? I’ll be in the back if you need me.” Apollo nodded again, still not fully grasping how he let this happen.
Apollo didn’t pay much attention to what was said after that, only understanding that they could leave after their shift was over.