Here Lies Poor Old Jack

Jack Skellington. thirty-two. Pathologist. Only gone a little mad.

[demonxofxlight]

He wasn’t panicking. He wasn’t panicking and he’d tell himself that until it was true. He’d just been at the bar after work, he wasn’t drinking that much, he was talking to some other guys just hanging around the bar. They’d been laughing, things had been fine and fun and friendly and then one of the guys said he was going outside for a smoke and asked if Jack wanted to join, so he did. And next thing he knew he was alone in the alley off the side of the bar with blood on his hands. Some on his shirt. His cheekbone was sore like he’d been hit, but it wasn’t anything that would’ve bled. The other man wasn’t there. And Jack looked in a panic all over the alley. Even checked the dumpster. But nothing. And after that, he wasn’t any calmer. If anything he was more panicked, pulling on his hair as he tried to think of what to do next. And it wasn’t until he got there, knocking on the door with shaking hands that Jack even realized he’d run to Sally’s house. When the door opened, he tried to think of something to say, something to explain, but all his panic just flooded out of him. “I fucked up,” his voice was rushed, cracking.

@nightshadesx​

[nightshadesx]

Sally didn’t normally expect people hitting the shop up well after closing. She didn’t expect Jack of all people to be at her door shaking and looking upset and this wasn’t the first time. She has had dreams, premonitions about Jack before. They always ended with blood on his hands and now that she saw them there in the flesh she was unsettled but she was calmer than she should have probably been. “Oh Jack….” she whispered softly, taking his hands, pulling him into her shop and guiding him upstairs to where she normally slept. She kept a first aide kit there for times of trouble, rags, blankets, etc. “What happened Jack?” she whispered, searching his face for clarity. He looked lost, confused, and she didn’t like that. It wasn’t the first time….but she always hoped the last one would be the last one. “Tell me everything you know. And then we will get you to the bathroom and clean you up….alright?”

[demonxofxlight]

He felt awful. Just all over but also for putting this on Sally. What if he had done something bad—like really bad? Did this make her an accomplice? No, no he wouldn’t let that happen. When she said his name so soft, he almost wanted to just collapse in the doorway. She didn’t sound disappointed, and thankfully she didn’t sound scared. Sally took him by the hands, leading him upstairs, and he just followed, almost like he was dazed. He wasn’t really paying attention to the walk, just trying to think. Her voice sounded again and he blinked, looking at her. He shook his head, just barely. “I don’t know...” his voice was soft. He tried to look at her but couldn’t. “I was out... I was talking to people, having some fun... and then I was in an alley, like this.” He shook his head again. His voice was so small, almost cracking on some words. “I looked around... I couldn’t find anybody. I don’t know who it was... I don’t know why it happened.” He finally looked at her as they neared the bathroom. “I’m so sorry,” he breathed, his hands still shaking, his eyes burning a bit. “I... I didn’t wake you did I?”

[kaisuzukii]

{Jack}​:

“Yes, of course you,” Jack said with a grin. He seemed nervous, and Jack worried for a moment that perhaps they’d had an interaction somewhere before–an altercation would’ve been the right word. But no, Jack settled when he offered to buy him a drink in return and called him a stranger. Good. This was fine and good. “Well, only if you feel so inclined to do so,” he smiled.  “Oh you’re certainly not dull. More lively than the people I work with,” a joke only for himself, really. “Oh, you’re definitely not rude. You’re probably the most polite person I’ve met in here. I’m Jack, it’s a pleasure to meet you Berlioz.”

All Berlioz could do for a moment was just offer a small and awkward smile. Inwardly, he was starting to get nervous about continuing this interaction because he had already made it this far, and he didn’t want to mess anything up. Thus far, it seemed the other male didn’t seem to think of him as strange, but he felt the more he allowed himself to continue on with their conversation, the more the possibility of that happening grew. What if he had to order a drink? He was already so far out of his comfort zone that he wasn’t entirely sure he could both keep a conversation with a polite stranger and also talk to the bartender. It felt like the biggest anchor weighing on his chest,  all of this happened within seconds inside of Berlioz’s head. On the outside, though, he kept a calm demeanor.

“The pleasure is all mine, Jack. You’re very polite yourself, might I add.” He softly spoke up, attempting to push his inner turmoils away, “I’m more lively than most people you work with, you say? Are you sure? All I do is play the piano. In truth, I’ve never even been here up until tonight.” He admitted, chuckling a bit. “If you don’t mind me asking, what brings you out tonight, Jack?”

[demonxofxlight]

Jack gave him a smile. “Well, thank you. More often than not i find myself accidentally stepping over boundaries and being really bad with social cues. So many find me more annoying than polite,” he was over sharing. “But again, thank you.” He laughed a bit. “All? That’s a wonderful skill. I’ve dabbled with the piano in the past but I was never very good at reading the sheet music. And yes that is much more than what they do. I... A lot of the people I work with are very... stiff,” he didn’t want to say dead; he didn’t want to make him uncomfortable. Or more uncomfortable. “It’s usually alright. The prices and the service are always nice. But I find that more often than not this seems to be the bar that people go to after a few hours of hopping around. So sometimes rowdier patrons aren’t all that surprising.” He again worried about scaring him off. “But it seems quiet tonight. Oh, you know, just looking for a quick drink. Something to help relax, distract. Not to mention it’s half priced cocktail night, so that makes things a little more interesting.”

[demonxofxlight]

“Can I buy you something to drink?” Jack said, knowing it to be a friendly gesture, but not really realizing that to some it could sound flirtatious. “I’m not really fond of drinking alone and you seem like good company.” Really, he shouldn’t drink alone because he didn’t always know when to stop. But he didn’t need for them to know that.

[cubby-martin]

“Really? Uh, yeah, sure! Thank you,” Calvin said, a little confused but flattered nonetheless. No one ever really bought him drinks, and he certainly wasn’t going to turn down the offer, even if he was already a little tipsy. “I can’t promise that I’ll be great company, but, honestly, drinking alone is absolutely the worst, so I can promise I’m better than that. I know that I can’t really complain about drinking alone, because that’s what I was doing literally right before you came, but it’s still the worst. You’ve done me such a huge favor. Oh, and I’m Calvin, by the way.”

[demonxofxlight]

“Oh it’s no problem,” Jack said, waving it off. “It really is, isn’t it? I’m sure you’ll be fine company. As you said, any company is better than no company.” He realized that may have come off as rude. “But again I’m sure you’re lovely. I’m Jack. It’s a pleasure to meet you. So what’s got you out here drinking alone tonight?” Same thing as all of us, he wondered momentarily; some respite from the dark thoughts plaguing your mind. Or maybe that was just Jack.

[demonxofxlight]

berlioz-the-pianist​:

“M-me?” Berlioz quietly asked, pointing at himself, a bit surprised. When he made a spontaneous decision to come out to the bar tonight, he had not expected himself to stay for so long and even less to be offered to have a drink bought for him. His left hand subconsciously reached for the phone in his pocket in case he had to call Toulouse. However, no red flags or bad vibes were given off so, Berlioz was allowing himself to believe the other male wasn’t going to try and harm him. “ If you allow me to buy you one as well, stranger. I should give you a fair warning though, my company might prove to be a bit on the dull side, but I’ll try. Um, oh, I’m so sorry..I’m Berlioz. Pardon my rude manners; I swear I’m not usually so rude.”

“Yes, of course you,” Jack said with a grin. He seemed nervous, and Jack worried for a moment that perhaps they’d had an interaction somewhere before--an altercation would’ve been the right word. But no, Jack settled when he offered to buy him a drink in return and called him a stranger. Good. This was fine and good. “Well, only if you feel so inclined to do so,” he smiled.  “Oh you’re certainly not dull. More lively than the people I work with,” a joke only for himself, really. “Oh, you’re definitely not rude. You’re probably the most polite person I’ve met in here. I’m Jack, it’s a pleasure to meet you Berlioz.”

[demonxofxlight]

“Can I buy you something to drink?” Jack said, knowing it to be a friendly gesture, but not really realizing that to some it could sound flirtatious. “I’m not really fond of drinking alone and you seem like good company.” Really, he shouldn’t drink alone because he didn’t always know when to stop. But he didn’t need for them to know that.

[demonxofxlight]

He wasn’t panicking. He wasn’t panicking and he’d tell himself that until it was true. He’d just been at the bar after work, he wasn’t drinking that much, he was talking to some other guys just hanging around the bar. They’d been laughing, things had been fine and fun and friendly and then one of the guys said he was going outside for a smoke and asked if Jack wanted to join, so he did. And next thing he knew he was alone in the alley off the side of the bar with blood on his hands. Some on his shirt. His cheekbone was sore like he’d been hit, but it wasn’t anything that would’ve bled. The other man wasn’t there. And Jack looked in a panic all over the alley. Even checked the dumpster. But nothing. And after that, he wasn’t any calmer. If anything he was more panicked, pulling on his hair as he tried to think of what to do next. And it wasn’t until he got there, knocking on the door with shaking hands that Jack even realized he’d run to Sally’s house. When the door opened, he tried to think of something to say, something to explain, but all his panic just flooded out of him. “I fucked up,” his voice was rushed, cracking.

@nightshadesx​

[demonxofxlight]

djtwofaced​:

@demonxofxlight​

Tiberius knew Jack would be at the beach. How he knew? That was classified information as far as anyone was concerned. He wasn’t there only for Jack though. No, Maddox was there as well and Tiberius also had his eye on a young woman that was there as well. He had a full agenda. When he finally found Jack though he approached him with a friendly smile. “I didn’t expect you to be here,” he said. “I never would have thought it was your scene.” It wasn’t really his either but as long as there was alcohol involved it was alright.

He smiled when he saw the familiar face approaching him. Some might say Tiberius was a bit odd, but Jack didn’t really think so. At least he didn’t think he had any right to say because he definitely wasn’t any weirder than Jack was. “Hello, Tiberius,” he greeted him brightly. “Oh, I mean, usually I don’t think it would be, but I was just feeling in the mood for something lively like this. And I’m so glad I came, it’s been so fun so far. Have you seen some of the sand sculptures people have made? They’re really creative,” Jack could talk for hours about nothing. He caught himself though. “How are you, though? Are you enjoying yourself?”

[nightshadesx]

@demonxofxlight

Sally wasn’t really a fan of the beach or the summer time. She didn’t like to sweat and she didn’t like sand….but she liked the idea of the Beach Bash. It was a cute way to kick off summer and if she spent that under an umbrella reading a book then so be it. As long as she got to participate. To make things better a certain friend of hers was rumored to be there, enjoying the day probably even more than she was. At least she hoped he was because she hadn’t expected him to be nearby and she certainly didn’t see the harm in sneaking a peek at him. He looked good, happy. That’s all she wanted. She wanted to say hi to him too but she didn’t want to interrupt what he was doing. So she just glanced up every now and then, wondering if he noticed her doing it.

[demonxofxlight]

The beach wasn’t his favorite place, but it wasn’t the worst. But he almost hadn’t gone to the event. It sounded like a lot of people and a lot of noise. But at the same time, Jack loved a good party. And as soon as he got there he was having a great time. Going around, talking to people. His energy was high and so was his mood. Which was fine. For now. He’d had a drink or two. The music was good and the company was fun. He didn’t think he could feel any brighter until he turned and saw Sally sat under an umbrella with a book. Jack smiled as he made his way over. “Hey, stranger,” he chuckled a bit. “Didn’t really expect to see you here. Glad I did though! How are you? You look great; are you going to enter that swimsuit competition they’re having?”

[demonxofxlight]

Jack Skellington

Beach Bash 2020

[demonxofxlight]

nightshadesx‌:

Sally was used to Jack being late. She was always very much on time, too punctual if she was being honest with her, but that was okay because it gave her time to work on composure. She has known Jack since they were both kids and yet every interaction she felt like a nervous schoolgirl with a crush. Hopeless. “A hassle? Now that sounds like a god story…” Jack’s work was something that he cared about deeply, and Sally would never let herself get upset over him being late because of it. “The shop is fine. Been a little slow…I think another sale or something is due. But other than that, same old, same old. My life isn’t that terribly exciting, I’m afraid.”

“Well, just some things didn’t go quite as planned and then there was just a bit of a mess with one of the stiffs-- um, actually, never mind, probably not best to go into details before a meal,” he chuckled a bit, almost awkwardly. He forgot that most people didn’t really like to hear about morgue work in general, but especially not when they were about to eat. He never really cared, though. “But long story short, I got a bit carried away and just didn’t realize the time. I should set an alarm or something so this doesn’t keep happening,” he gave her an apologetic smile. He listened to her talk about her day like it was the most interesting thing, but she didn’t seem to think so. “I think your life is pretty exciting,” he said. And not just because of her magic. “You get to talk to people, which I bet some of the things they say are a lot more interesting than what my clientele has to say. Though... it would be pretty insane if any of mine did talk...” he trailed off for a moment, considering that thought and how the hell he would even react to that sort of situation before returning his attention to Sally. “But, alright, the shop is fine, things are the same. Not the most descriptive, but I can work with that,” he teased with a grin. His expression did soften a bit, though. “How are you yourself aside from work? What... hm,” he pondered a question for a beat, “What was something that you saw or that happened that made you smile?” it didn’t matter to him if Sally thought her day was boring. He wanted to hear all about it.

[demonxofxlight]

megara-trakas‌:

Megara’s frown slowly morphed into a more casual, neutral line before she let out a soft sigh. He did move, and she could see her mark now so it wasn’t terrible. She figured she could have worse tablemates, like wonderboy. Taking a really good look at him instead of just being annoyed right off the bat, she found his face familiar and knew that she had seen him come in to talk to Hades. At least he probably wouldn’t interrupt her work too much. If he knew what was good for him. Though she thought that, she also knew she didn’t really have the heart to throw someone under Hades feet unless absolutely necessary. “Right. Of course they would pick a crowed cafe.” Meg pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. “Yes, you’re fine now. You can stay. I’ve seen you around before. I think we have… friends in common.”

He gave her a small nod of appreciation, thankful that he didn’t have to try asking anyone else to share their table. Of course, if she had told him to get lost, he would. But she let him stay and even made a bit of conversation. He chuckled dryly. “I feel like friends is a strong word, but yeah. We’ve definitely crossed paths before.” he offered her a hand to shake. “I’m Jack, since we’ve never been formally introduced.” He caught a glance over to where she kept looking. He knew it wasn’t his place to say, but knowing what he did about Hades... “So, I take it this is more than a coffee break?”

[demonxofxlight]

The lovers & the chariot?

the lovers: do you have a crush?

“Um, well, saying a crush sounds so childish, doesn’t it? I’m not really sure. I don’t really think about those kinds of things too much...”

the chariot: thoughts on astrology?

answered

[demonxofxlight]

What is your biggest fruit-related regret?

“I let an apple rot in my room when I was young just so I could watch it decompose. I didn’t think about the consequences of bugs and mold finding their way across my desk. And while I found it interesting, my parents were less than happy to come across that mess. Might not sound like something super regret worthy, but I can’t think of any other times in my life that I’ve either gotten in trouble or missed opprotunities because of fruit.”

[demonxofxlight]

the devil: do you enjoy thunderstorms?

“I do. There is something very relaxing about their turbulent nature. The howling of the wind that rushes through the trees, the feeling of the electricity on the air, the smell of the earth as the rain crashes down, the way the thunders rumbling echoes across your chest. There’s something quite comforting in it all, even with the violent nature it so often portrays.”

[demonxofxlight]

the chariot: thoughts on astrology?

“I don’t believe that just some random websites can predict things about you because of when you were born or any of those personality quiz type things, but I don’t discredit it. I definitely believe there can be some truth to what the stars have to say about you and your journey.”

[nightmarevirgo]

☀️🌙✨ tarot questions ✨🌙☀️

the fool: do you have any nicknames? the magician: have you ever written a poem or song about somebody else? the high priestess: what is your dream date? the empress: do you think you will ever get married? the emperor: what are some names that you like? the hierophant: do you believe in ghosts? the lovers: do you have a crush? the chariot: thoughts on astrology? strength: what is your dream occupation?  the hermit: what is your favorite soda pop? wheel of fortune: first three songs that come on shuffle? justice: favorite color of rose? the hanged man: favorite movie soundtrack? death: what are three things you want to do before you die? temperance: can you describe a strange dream you’ve had? the devil: do you enjoy thunderstorms? the tower: favorite colors to wear? the star: have you ever seen a psychic? the moon: have you ever written a love letter? the sun: do you believe in magic? judgement: do you enjoy school? the world: do you like waking up early?

[bunchofrpmemes]

50 Odd Questions

Which breakfast cereal best matches your personality?

If you had to amputate one of your fingers, which one would you pick?

Do you prefer personalized keychains or personalized coffee mugs?

Which object in the room you’re in right now would make the best pet (not counting any animals in the room)?

Which amphibian is the cutest?

If you were a superhero, what career would your arch-enemy’s alter-ego have?

Would you rather have your bedroom completely decorated with life-like dolls, or paintings of clowns?

Which instrument will you force your future child to learn?

What crime do you think you could get away with if you tried?

What’s your favorite toy to play with during a bubble bath?

Who would you dedicate your first novel to?

If someone were to make a movie of your life, would it be a space opera, a Western, or a buddy cop flick? Yes, these are the only three genres you’re allowed to choose from.

Which animal would you most like to be killed by?

Who is your spirit Muppet?

Would you rather live in a mailbox or a teapot?

You can only wear one hat for the rest of your life. Which one do you pick?

What is the most interesting thing you could do with styrofoam peanuts?

If you had to kill someone, which song would you listen to while doing so?

How many pairs of socks would you need to own before you can be truly happy?

What’s your favorite office supply?

Which TV theme song enrages you the most?

You’re the first person ever to contract a horrifying, deadly illness, and they let you name it. What do you call it?

Which US President do you think would give the best massages?

What is your least favorite dog breed?

Would you rather give up your family or air conditioning?

Which food do you consider the saddest?

What emotion does the word “effervescent” make you feel?

Which zodiac sign do you think is the worst at playing chess?

Would you rather have to wear headphones 24/7 for the rest of your life, or never be allowed to wear headphones again?

Which is more attractive: nose hair or ear hair?

Which cartoon character would you most like to have as a parent?

Would you give up one of your eyeballs if in return you got eternal, unlimited, free high-speed wi-fi?

If you were stranded on a desert island, which T-shirt would you want to be wearing?

At what age did you first have Pop Rocks?

What is your favorite alkaline earth metal?

Which music genre would best describe your plans for the future?

Which bird tastes the best?

What musical instrument would be your ideal weapon?

How many times per week do you perform a ritualistic sacrifice to O’zzurhol, Lord of Shadows, Praise Unto His Unholy Name?

What is your biggest fruit-related regret?

Which Disney villain henchman is the hottest?

What’s the most embarrassing object you’ve ever injured yourself with?

Is there any song in existence more horrible than “Happy Birthday”?

Which insect would you most like to be for a day?

If someone were to hand you a pool noodle right now, what is the first thing you’d do with it?

Which five-syllable word best describes you?

If you got to go on a date with your celebrity crush, which fast-food restaurant would you choose for it?

If someone were to build a shrine to you, which scent should the candles be?

What would you name your band, assuming that your genre was bluegrass dubstep?

Which Disney Princess are you most afraid of?

[demonxofxlight]

@demonxofxlight @iceandisolation @hueytheduckup