Chapter Text
What had piqued your interest first were the rumours surrounding the circus, what is it that caused people to believe that they took people? Were they baseless rumours or suspicions from a reasonable source? So, when you had seen that man yell at the clown, you decided to step in. Not out of any outrage of injustice or moral compass necessarily but because it was an opportunity. Though the man's outburst was truly disgusting to you, acting so conspicuous. A fool truly. You suppose the only true fool was the way the clown acted afterwards, so dumbstruck as if a miracle has occurred. His mask covered his whole face, his hat large even compared to his height and the red theme bold in a crowd. A scrape showing starkly against the white mask. Passing over the pink bandaid, you felt the difference between you both as his shadow covered your frame and his gloved hand making the bandaid so small in comparison. A miscalculation.
After saying some reminders, you made your way to work on time thankfully. Carol hasn't arrived yet, normally she was earlier than you were. The cafe was busier than usual so you just went straight into working. As you gave each order, the customers spoke casually about the circus, everything anyone seems to talk about. Those are all the more reason for you to find out for yourself what made it so interesting. You converse with the customers from anything like the weather to more serious topics like missing people. If there was anything you enjoyed about this job it was how the customers were occasionally quite pleasant to be around. It is your job to talk to people but it isnt always enjoyable. While you understand it's not the kindest thing to say but you enjoy people's concerns and worry at the cost of someone's potential suffering like those missimg cases. The missing cases were starting to get to you though, as much as you wanted to rationalize it it was making you uncomfortable. Something else that was making you uncomfortable though was that creeping feeling of being watched.
Your boss mentioned collecting flyers from the circus so you began to do so but honestly it wasn't that big a deal in your opinion. They didn't look all that scary, strange perhaps but it seemed like the appeal. When that customer came in, you did not think much of his questions. You were somewhat glad when he took those flyers off you, less work for you. That was why it actually interested you when he asked you about the circus. Gathering information is always the first step before acting upon the knowledge.Your eyes brightened that the sight of the ticket, pink. An unusual choice but there must be a reason so despite being hesitant to accept something from a stranger, you accepted. Not at first of course you can't act too eager, you declined citing it being too generous but eventually give in as he assures you of what you do with it being your choice. You can attribute it to a contribution in your investigation, if it can even be called that. As the last customer exited and you are about to close up, the lights went out.
You freeze. Someone was in here. Who? Your boss, but why would he need to do that? That feeling of being watched returned. Your fists clench, you can't let this get the better of you but the thumping heartbeat says its too late to think that. You move quickly towards the breaker and turn the lights back on. Before your pulse can even rest, the door bell chimes. Now it's going to be spiking due to anger because now you're going to have to negotiate with a customer obviously not being able to read. You speak before even fully turning around,
"Sorry we're closed-".
It was that guy from before, now bleeding. You're both apprehensive and concerned. Did he know your schemes about his circus so was coming for you? That's irrational. But also, was he stupid? Getting beaten left and right, did he have a sign on his back saying, 'please hit me'? He might as well at this point. Yet a grin was still plastered on his face. A red paper flower appeared before you, his body positioned in a slight bow. Apparently a return gift for the bandaid, he did not speak during this entire interaction nor earlier in the day. Finely crafted you mused, a man of many talents. Origami and getting beaten up. You then realise that his injury should be of priority so you beckon him over. The bells on his hat jingled with his steps. His injury was superficial so you wiped away the blood though you no longer certain if it was simply makeup or a mask that was being stained.
"Is your silence apart of the act," you had asked after cleaning his up.
"I can't be seen talking. "
So he speaks. As the conversation continued, you notice the bandage peeling so you tap on your cheek as you mention it. Blush spreads on his face and his smile widens (how can a mask blush?). He is quite expressive. The wound healing well, no scarring could be seen. He gifts a ticket in response and as greedy as you could be you decide not to accept it as already have one. He straightens up and asked to see the one that you were given, his face contorts at the sight of the pink ticket. Did the colours of those tickets actually have deeper meaning? Apparently not as it seems you were tricked with a counterfeit so you were handed his. The reaction was rather strange. A glance at the clock told you it was getting late. You wrapped up the conversation and said your goodbyes. You promised to see his performance but you don't know if you even can. Well that's for future you to deal with, if he even cared that much.