~...^ Dancing with the Devils at the Freak Circus ^...~

...^ Whipped cream and Red flags ^...

"Hrm, people have been pretty rough with you guys."
You glanced at the bandage on his..painted..face? Mask?
"Not exactly the welcome wagon you'd expect for a bunch of painted
Clowns, or er, Pierrots and cryptic flyer dealers!"

Pierrot:"I suppose we may appear a touch uncanny, that tends to unsettle..people"

You cocked your head, fingers tapping the counter thoughtfully, as Mothman lazily circled Pierrot, sniffing for a treat.
Tail wagging impatiently.

"So, do all the Pierrots out on the street handing out flyers, perform too?"
You asked, slightly fishing for information,
The flyers didn't hand much information..

"Or is it just you handing flyers out solo as a sad side job?"

Pierrot: "indeed, but only the main cast performs and hands out flyers.."

Pierrot: "though i must say, I am the only Pierrot, my lady. The others are..jesters..and harlequins."

He pauses for a moment, rolling his eyes slightly.

(Looks like he doesn't get along with everyone. <:0)

"That's actually cool! .. soo.,is everyone mysteriously and slight unhingedly quiet?"

Pierrot: "I am the only one who remains silent, but I can make an exception when it's just the two of us.."

Mothman barked at Pierrot, letting him know he's also here.

"Got it, your secret shall be safe with me!"

"Oh your bandage is coming off, let me get rid of that for you!"

You peeled off the bandage, rolling it up and tossing it in
The garbage bin.

Pierrot: "and here's another small token of appreciation"
He places a ticket in your hands.

It was red, velvet kind of red, just like the star on the suit necklace he gave you
Before, the paper almost shimmered in the cafe light, like it knew it was
Important..or..dangerous. Probably both.

Gold ink curled across the surface.
<tomorrow night>
Red..for his tent.

Your fingers curled instinctively, like a child
Afraid their parents would
Take their candy.

Mothman sniffed it, and growled suspiciously..

You looked back up at Pierrot with a smug grin.
"Okay, cryptic ticket, from a Pierrots with
A pretty face " mask." This is definitely not how
People die in horror movies. "
You paused..
"But this and this.."
You held up the earring, and ticket in one hand
"Is objectively the coolest thing anyones handed me during a shift!"

Mothman huffed, almost rolling his eyes unimpressed.
You wiggled the ticket at him.
"Relax, if it's cursed, or matches my collection"

You tucked  the two items into your messy apron,
Right with the coin, and other nicknacks.

"Thank you :]"

"I'll be there tomorrow night Pierrot, with popcorn
And definitely a poor decision.."

"But sorry to say this, but now I have to close up for the night, boss said so, so I can't lose my only
Chance of payment, you shouldn't stay any longer."

Pierrot cocked his head once more.
"I completely understand, i had hoped to arrive earlier, but I did not wish
To cause you any distress..my lady"

"It's alright, now I know that you're not a mime, and just can't speak in public!"
You pointed finger guns at him.

"That's true 🎵"
He sing-songed.

"Have a good night my lady"

"Have a good night!"
You waved.
Mothman just barked at you, impatiently.

Nightly locks and fireflies
-5minutes after Pierrot left$

The cafe had gone still, the air thick with syrup, dish soap, and the faint
Buzz of over caffeinated ghosts. You flicked off the lights one by one,
Like curtain calls in a one-woman show.
Register—click, back fridge—click, bathroom hallway—click.

"Alright mothy" you sighed, stretching like a cat
Coming off a triple espresso crash.
"Show's over, let's go run off the sugar!"

Mothman let out a whoof in agreement.
Ears perked, as you packed your small travel bag,
Throwing in—
-lunch dishes
-dog toy
-tip/trinket jar
-water bottle
You zipped the bag up, throwing the straps
Onto your shoulders, and clipping your belt bag on.
You whistled, as Mothman loped over, with his tail thwacking exaggeratedly.

You reached down, snapping on his leash.
"Security detail: engaged!" You said with mock drama.
Double knotting your apron, hoping it
Lasted an hour.

You opened the cafe door with your shoulder, Mothman following
Close on your heels. You flipped the cafe sign to Closed and locking the door with
The spare key earning you a satisfying click, then tossing it back into your pocket.

The sky was a soft dark  bruised purple, the kind that made everything look
Like a dream or memory you hadn't  lived yet.

6:32 PM. the kind of evening that felt
Like it was holding its breath.

Mothman trotted beside you, leash loose in your hand
As your sneakers slapped the sidewalk in rhythm with his loping paws.
He moved with a loyal gait, paws following your steps, his head cocked in your direction,
Offering full attention, listening to the steady clink of keys in your apron pocket.

You adjusted your belt bag, picking into a steady jog—
Gaining slow speed. Just enough to let the air brush your hair from your face.

"Let's go mr. Handsome"
Mothman whoofed in excitement. Who wagging his tail and began to pick up
A faster pace.
"Race ya to the mailbox, loser makes dinner!"

His leash pulled just enough to remind
You he was still faster, your
Laugh echoed, as you let go of his leash to
Focus on running faster than him.

The red ticket burned a soft steady warmth against you pocket,
Tucked away..

Waiting.

-photo at the start is Mothman yet again.
~nest chapter will continue when cashmere
Reaches home w mothy~

-the urge to give cashmere more pets is insane-