#sawbones.

[themasked]

*Gawsps causing some pizza wolls to fall out of meh pwockets* Dats pwetty wude! I wanna tawk to youw managew ;w;

TW: violence

"...You know, I actually have the perfect mask for you right within this display." He points to a glass case in front of you, where masks encrusted with jewels glitter in the lamplight. "Why don't you come take a look?"

As you lean closer, a hand darts out, grabs a fistful of your hair, and smashes your head into the thick glass once- twice- three- four times before he pulls you in to hiss in your ear.

"Now, would you still like to see a manager, or would you like me to fix the damages I've inevitably caused to your face?"

[themasked]

*Waddles into the shop wike a dwuck heading to teh wemonade stwand fow gwapes* Hewwo! I see teh Mawskmakew isn't up hewe today? Eithew way, may i inquiwe fow a mawsk UwU

A glint brightens narrowed eyes, and he grips the counter, leaning forward into your face.

"If you'd like a mask, perhaps find one that fixes your vocal chords first. If not, I'd be more than happy to fix them myself."

[themasked]

Okay, harsh, excuse me for trying to check how willingly you're saying that. The few of us that got masks have changed, so excuse me for being wary. Out of curiosity, is there another reason you're so adamant they don't get removed?

His hands twitch as he grabs the wooden countertop once again. "If you won't believe what I say is of my own will, then perhaps you should reevaluate your own beliefs before you go to question mine." 

He relaxes, but the finality remains. "Well, this has been a highly irritating venture, so if you'll excuse me, I believe that my shift up front is over." 

Before anyone else can answer, he turns around and walks through the Staff Only door, leaving the lights to cut out as you plunge into darkness. 

Sawbones is no longer looking for inquiries.

[themasked]

oh... so you’re hitting on me? i kid, i kid. anyways, even if i was part of some fancy experiment i’d at least like to be paid. equivalent exchange or something.

The judgement from his stare makes you want to curl up into a ball. "If I make any moves on you, it will be the same type of display I gave to that other consumer. Nothing like" -you can hear the revulsion that curls his lip- "that." "And if you want payment, then you have no reason to be here. This is a business, not a peddler's stop, and since we deal with both the rich and the poor, money is rarely something we use as currency. Even so, you're not welcome to any of it.

[themasked]

You’d kill me because I took a peek behind that door? I don’t understand, what’s so important that you’d kill someone over?

Even without seeing it, you can almost tangibly feel the eyebrow raise. "You ask that as if I need an important reason to kill someone. Is murder such an unfathomable achievement for you that you genuinely believe people will not hurt you if you make a wrong move?"

[themasked]

Oh, hello. Who are you? I expected the Maskmaker to be waiting here with that devilish grin of his.

"He is working on other business, I'm afraid, so he asked me to work the front in his stead."

Even with the plague mask covering his full face, you can almost picture the bland smile that comes standard with his tone.

[themasked]

An honor? I'm not going to believe that when you're talking through your mask. Take it off and tell me that, and I'll believe you then.

Where there was magma, there is now only ice. "The masks we are given are a gift from Him to us. Demanding one be removed is the epitome of disrespect and shirks the patience and craftmanship He provides for each and every one of us, especially when demanded in such an ungrateful fashion."

"Don't ever ask a mask to be taken off again, or I'll throw an ill-fitting one onto you and make it fit."

[themasked]

Hihi!! I'd like a mask! Im not exactly sure what kind, though. Any suggestions?

"Choosing them isn't exactly my specialty. Ensuring they properly fit is." He tilts his head slightly to the side, appraising you. "But I believe I can make an exception for you."