A Drink or Two

There was something unnerving about the masquerade’s crowds, the eyes that seemed to follow Topsy’s every movement. They were like a pack of wolves, each one waiting on the outskirts for someone to drop. It was very different to being above crowds on a stage or trapeze wire, where instead of judgement and whispers, all Topsy heard were cheers.

He wasn’t naive, he knew that dressing like his usual clown self but with a slightly floral twist for such a fancy party might make others suspicious of how serious he was about this event, but he tried not to let that bother him. After all, he had more pressing issues like pretending his legs were already aching from his ballet heels.

He should never have accept his ringleader’s suggestion of going to the masquerade instead of him, the other bun even framed it as a chance for the circus’ star talent to show off to the world. Topsy didn’t see it like that, instead he saw it as a night to worry about everything from his hair to the flower shaped mask over his lips.

Although, now, as he walked to floor, he noticed a staff member holding a rather large tray of champagne. The clown could have laughed with delight, that was the perfect distraction wasn’t it? He wouldn’t feel the pain in his heels with a drink in hand.

He carefully approached, smiling as he gestured to the glasses.

The staff member handed over a glass with a polite grin, “Please enjoy our complementary champagne.”

Topsy nodded, trying to appear grateful as with a glass in hand he couldn’t quite say thank you with his hands.

The staff member didn’t seem upset as they were quickly whisked away by other party-goers, there were plenty of buns that wanted more alcohol when it was free.

As for Topsy, he went towards the edge of the crowd and gently sipped on his drink. He wondered if would be a good place for inspiration for his act. Maybe some spring forward? He could even use a few of his jesties to really sell the image. He did want an excuse to include them more and the circus audience usually loved to see his clumsy imps running out on stage. They even knew some tricks, which honestly took a very long time for Topsy to teach them but he believed it worked out in the end.

He took a larger sip, the warmth spreading to his stomach as he imagined all the fun he could have. It was certainly better to be doing things instead of standing around in the masquerade like a shiny ornament for others to stare at.

Topsy laughed a soft noiseless breath, he did like everyone’s costumes and it gave him an idea or two for new ones he could make, but he didn’t quite understand it all. Dancing was fun and everyone seemed fairly nice, but this wasn't something for him.

The champagne was lovely through! He finished his glass before he knew it and had grabbed another from a passing staff member. Topsy knew he should pace himself, especially with heels like his, but this was a party. If he wanted to drink sweet champagne then he wanted to drink as much as he could until someone stopped him.

He wouldn’t get another chance like this, another chance to look up at the shining butterflies and pretty flowers of the Fairy Masquerade while sipping on something that made him feel so warm. He didn’t know much about her, but Topsy had to admit Aurora threw amazingly bright parties.