ᴅɪꜱᴀᴘᴘᴇᴀʀɪɴɢ ᴍᴀɴ

⎯⎯⎯⎯ 𝐢 𝐚𝐦 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟, 𝐢 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐦.

[skellingtonisms]

| ▊▏ once,  i  had  an  empire  in  a  golden  age  i  was  held  up  so  high,  i  used  to  be  great  they  used  to  cheer  when  they  saw  my  face  now,  i  fear  i  have  fallen  from  grace

INSPIRED  BY  : jack skellington ( the nightmare before christmas  ) / ADDED INSPO !  jayce talis ( arcane ) , simon ghost riley ( call of duty ) , achilles ( song of achilles ) , neil perry (  dead poets society ) , reputation ( album by taylor swift )

#PARTONE     .   .   .     GENERAL  INFORMATION.

name jasper ichabod skellington.     nicknames + aliases   jas, jaspy, bones, bone man   age  +  dob   thirty two, october 31st    titles   the pumpkin king    birthplace   hallow falls     residence   elias, ca.     gender  +  pronouns   cisgender  man    ,    he  /  him.     sexuality   bisexual  spoken  languages   english, latin, thai, gothic and coptic and various other dead languages     faceclaim   bill skarsgard.     hair   naturally blonde, dyes his hair dark brown.     eyes   blue     height   6'5     build   muscular  species skeleton monster  tattoos too many to count. covered in them distinguishing marks  bite mark on his neck.     star  sign   scorpio    deadly  sin   envy.     heavenly  virtue  diligence.     occupation   council member, 3rd grade science teacher.     mother   ravenna skellington ( nee. burton ) / ( nicole kidman )    father  alaric skellington ( mads mikkelsen ) sibling(s)   none.     children   his ghost dog uno is like a child to him. in the future; diana, wesley, calliope, lilith, hypatia & selene hamato-skellington.     significant  other   donatello hamato     extended  family   the hamato brothers, eric seara, brynne utonium, elizabeth swann

#PARTTWO     .   .   .     DOSSIER.

LINK TO BIOGRAPHY

#PARTTHREE     .   .   .    CONNECTIONS.

donatello hamato     fiancé. orion bartholomew     enemy. hates his guts. lex luthor to his superman serena fain     childhood friend helena lemos     sister figure eric seara     fellow turtle lover teague siblings     not quite enemies not friends either mavis vadua     friend council members     they're all doing their best aren't they? hercules zervos     birds of a feather, cut from the same cloth

( pinterest, holiday leaders ( future + next gen ), more info, musings & playlist)

[laufeysons]

Bill Skarsgård promoting his new movie The Death of Robin Hood

[reapingsoul]

grim didn't acknowledge the other person or their question immediately. his priority was to get his scythe away from them. with reverence, urgency, and carefulness, grim pulled the scythe closely to his body—flexing his fingers as if to say, this is mine, do not even entertain the idea of looking at it.

"there's a reason why you only see them in photos or textbooks, mind you." the words were strained. he observed the other from head to toe. once grim properly finished the assessment, he willed the scythe's light to dim slightly, letting the moonlight illuminate most of the cemetary. "what business do you even have here? visiting a dead loved one?"

[skellingtonisms]

jasper was known for touching things that didn't belong to him. sandy claws had given him many warnings about keeping his hands to himself when he was a young skeleton. in his older age, he had gotten better about not letting his whims carry him away. there were still times, like now, where curiosity got the better of him. the look he was given was enough for jasper to keep his hands at his sides.

"of course, they're powerful tools to reap souls," jasper said it with a tone as if this was basic knowledge the average person knew. the education he had been given was a tad more grim than what most schools offered. "oh no. no dead relatives in this city. i simply like to come to the cemetery for alone time. it is my favorite place to unwind." in the distance, barking could be heard coming from the night. not long after, the apparition of a dog formed at jasper's feet. uno phasing between his legs as he excitedly yipped. "i promised my dog i'd take him for a midnight stroll."

[locknteagues]

Logan glanced at him for a moment before taking another drag from his cigarette. "Yeah, I figured that was the reason." There wasn't much point pretending otherwise. If Orion had still been alive, Jasper wouldn't have been standing here. Logan couldn't blame him for that. Truthfully, if their positions had been reversed, he would've done the same thing. At the mention of Hallow Falls, he nodded slightly. "Maybe. Death's always seemed to follow people like us around." His tone was casual, but there was something tired underneath it. There always was these days. For a moment, he was quiet before looking back toward Jasper.

"I think Orion hated that, y'know." His eyes shifted back to him. "The fact that you never really gave him what he wanted." A faint shrug followed. "You avoided him. You were annoyed by him. Probably wanted him to leave you alone most of the time. But you never became what he wanted you to become." That obsession had consumed Orion for years. Logan understood that better now than he used to. "He liked having power over people. Liked knowing he could get in their heads." The corner of his mouth twitched. "You were always a lot more stubborn than he gave you credit for."

His gaze lingered on Jasper for another moment. "Still, I hope you don't expect us to be best friends now. I've never cared enough to feel anything towards you but I don't exactly have warm and fuzzy feelings either."

[skellingtonisms]

Jasper only nodded at Logan's response. It's not the circumstances Jasper wanted to bring him to Snake Eyes, but truthfully, it was the only one that could ever happen. Orion needed to be gone permanently for Jasper to ever feel comfortable going to the Underland. "It's a natural part of life. A more natural part of ours, given where we live. Death is the only guarantee in this life." Jasper talked so casually about topics others might find morbid or uncomfortable. He never once feared death. He had embraced it all his life.

A silence fell over them as Jasper took in Logan's words. They weren't exactly compliments, but something settled in his chest as the other spoke. There were times when Jasper had felt weak against Orion. The boogie man had been the catalyst for misfortunes in his life. Orion's lies pinned Jasper as a murderer. His fall from grace left him mangled and broken, but he had left Hallow Falls with enough spirit to start over. Elias had been where he created a life that was his own. No expectations were weighing him down. In the shadows of his life, Orion crept, waiting, seething for his opportunity. When he came to Elias, Jasper feared he would lose everything he had worked so hard to create for himself. He felt cowardice in never facing Orion head-on. He refused to be the monster that Orion pinned him to be. He was not some puppet that Orion could force to abide by his evil whims. He wasn't a killer. He wasn't bad. He was a monster, but one who loved humanity even though it would never understand him.

"I never understood his obsession with me. Even when we were younger." Jasper admitted, looking out at the casino. "I've spent my whole life being told who I am or who I should be. Orion was just another one of those voices trying to mold me into his little creation, but he was disappointed like the rest." He shrugged. Jasper turned to look Logan in the eyes. It was odd to finally be at eye level with someone, but if it had to be anyone, he was glad it was Logan. "It might be bad of me to say, but I'm glad he's gone. Not just for my sake but for yours. In a sense, we're both free now."

"I don't." The words came out easily. It wasn't harsh or blunt, just honest. "I've never held any ill will towards you. We don't have to be friends, but we can at least be cordial." He returned his attention to the casino. "I'll stay out of your business." As a councilman, the first thing he should be doing was keeping an eye on Logan now that he was a hell-baron, but in truth, Jasper was tired. If they were so concerned, someone else could take on the task.

[thelostthakkar]

milo wasn’t entirely sure what had compelled him to go skating when he woke up this morning; maybe the lack of sleep had finally gotten to him, or maybe he needed something unfamiliar to give himself a break from the continuous overthinking. but regardless of whatever reason sounded good this morning, he was beginning to regret his impulsivity now he was actually on the ice. jasper's voice snaps his attention away from where it was focussed on a rather intense grip on the side of the rink, and milo gives him an unsure smile. "i appreciate the offer, i really do. but i think the safest thing for both of us is you leaving me here and saving yourself, i don't think i'd look too good if i gave a counsellor a black eye, even if it is accidental."

[skellingtonisms]

milo was someone who jasper had come to admire. intelligence was always a trait that jasper latched on to. he enjoyed sharing theories and learning from others. he could also relate to milo's singular focus on one topic, seeing as though jasper had a tendency to become one-track-minded as well when he was obsessed with something.

he skated to where milo was gripping onto the edge for dear life. he offered a sympathetic smile. "well, i can't leave you here." not in good faith, at least knowing milo was struggling. "it's alright. if it's accidental, most will be understanding. to be fair, i think many would envy you for nailing a council member in the face." jasper was sure many wanted to do so. "they have little walkers for children to help with skating if you don't want my assistance."

[vinemagic]

⸻🌵 WILLOW WAS AWARE OF EVERYTHING SHIFTING AROUND her ⸻ most days felt like being submerged underwater.

Feeling like the world moved above her in blurred lights &. muffled noises while she trys to remember which way is up sometimes.  As her heart felt heavy with the burden of uncertainty since November.  Everything . . . seemed to be evolving.  Leaving her struggling to find herself in the aftermath ⸻ because festivity's like these pretend they are not haunted by absences ⸻ the missing ⸻ but maybe it will only really start to matter when someone who matters goes missing. She isn't doing well ⸻ since the beginning of November.

As she was caught off-guard ⸻ Mr.Skellington quickly became personal &. how much of themselves they laid into the space between them without seeming to notice how dizzying ⸻ dangerous ⸻ &. confusing that was.  An better-half ⸻ she should've looked at there hands ⸻ as she should have known to look prior but never felt the need to ⸻ because working to understanding someone is that hands can tell things about an person.  Greenhouses were not cheap ⸻ neither were carnivorous-plants were not an casual hobby to take up.

Unless someone had $$ ⸻ patience ⸻ as she took notice of Mr.Skellingtons ears for an split-second but they were nothing like hers. While she noticed Mr.Skellington always had an refined look.  As there was the skeleton ⸻ monster ⸻ part.  The fact that Mr.Skellington says it so easily . . . Skeletal-demons don't call themselves monsters.  Smokey-quartz blinking behind glasses as it felt warped.  Mr.Skellington didn't embody ⸻ structural-cruelty ⸻ nor wickedness ⸻ that she had come to associate with monsters like Emperor Belos. “ Why . . . do you think you're a monster ⸻ Mr.Skellington? ” As her innocence outshined her caution as it was dangerous getting personnel with others but she was genuinely confused by that. While Mr.Skellington ⸻ indeed tall ⸻ phased through an wall once &. is curious ⸻ but monster ⸻ doesn't make sense being filed under that word. As she wanted to say ⸻ yes ⸻ to the help but she showcased her bandaged-hands. “  I ⸻ I do want to ⸻ but if I mess up there is nothing like them out there. ”  &. for an while the Carnivorous Underland Vine was focused on Jasper.

All predator edged to strangers ⸻ but it was Willows insecure-emotions that climbed way to high ⸻ &. way to fast as it noticed it ⸻ felt it.  While it turned away from Jasper as its attention was dead set on Willow as chlorophyll-green pulses grew brighter through its thorny-bark flesh. As the Carnivorous Underland Vine striked ⸻ tried to slam itself right into her broken-ribs but she double-overd &. caught it by the thorny-horns in time before it could. Scuffling with it ⸻ playing around ⸻ going weightless for an moment ⸻ as she was lifted of the ground slightly ⸻ “ Oh ⸻ ” “ ⸻ wrestling with me is NOT helping your case right now!!! ”

[skellingtonisms]

The question took him off guard. His outer appearance contradicted his words. There was nothing inherently monstrous about Jasper at first glance. he looked like an average human. Something that years of genetic makeup had tried to perfect. Elias was beautiful because of the different beings that made up its population. From magic to mythic and science. There was a wide variety of people who lived here. It reminded him of home sometimes. The line between human and monster was thin. Jasper only knew a handful of people who could be classified the same as him.

"I don't think I'm a monster. I know I'm a monster." He said simply. There were a few people to whom Jasper had explained what he was. It wasn't exactly icebreaker material for introductions. Nor was he ashamed of who he was either; his true skeletal form was just something he didn't share with most. Jasper raised his hand, and long, talon-like claws grew from his fingernails. "I come from a place where monsters roam freely. Vampires, Werewolves, the whole lot. Monster has such an unfortunate connotation outside of Hallow Falls. But being a monster is nothing to be ashamed of."

He nodded slowly. Being one of a kind made the situation harder. "Are you sure there are no others like it?" He asked. "If you're able to put it someplace safe for the time being, perhaps you can either study it to ensure its survival or replicate it." He knew that Willow had powerful plant magic. He only wondered if she would be able to create something from scratch.

Jasper could see that the vine was frightened. Acting on instinct to protect itself. It took more to harm him, so he placed himself between Willow and the vine. The skeleton grabbed what he assumed was the head, trying to stop it from causing harm to Willow anymore. "Is there any way you can sedate it?" Without harming it either, of course. "If not, perhaps getting it away from the bright lights and sounds will calm it down. It might be overstimulated."

[shadowjinu]

if you asked jinu, he'd say he didn't really like the underland. sure he enjoyed the chaos of it sometimes and it was loud enough to drown out his own mind most of the time, but there was something about it he didn't like. most of the people down there were way less tolerable than he was and that was saying something. none of them had even cared to reach out to him after the krampus incident and while he wasn't shocked by that, it did annoy him a bit. still, he couldn't exactly be surprised that shitty people showed their true colors when something shitty happened to one of their own. not that he liked to think of himself like that. he was a good samaritan after all.

jinu had no opinion on what was going to happen to the casino. of course the people that worked there... he did understand how worried they'd be. he'd never trusted orion—he didn't trust anyone, so he wasn't exactly shocked by what happened. he'd never cared all that much for the power that came with his position because in the end it was only a means to an end. he noticed someone else lingering by the building and walked up, footsteps making just enough noise that he wasn't sneaking up on the other. "no idea, but it's gotta be better than what it was." in the end, jinu didn't care about the politics in this place. he cared about survival and finally being free of his past. "maybe i should buy it and turn it into a music hall."

[skellingtonisms]

there was a truth that lingered in jasper's heart, one that he tried to think of often, if only to protect his own ego. he knows that had he not been chosen as a councilor, he would have been shoved off into the underland. he may not have been in control when orion forced him to do awful things with mickey's amulet, but at the end of the day it didn't matter. he was still the face of the crimes. the puppet being pulled. it was easier to have a monster on your side rather than that of your enemy. wandering the underland reminded jasper of that fact. what separated him from the people here was his privilege. his royal status and money saved him once again. yet other here weren't so lucky. his heart clenched at the thought.

it was hard to startle jasper. he was all too aware of what lurked in the shadows. he could sense a presence behind him before jinu made himself known. he looked to the other for a moment, studying his form before turning back to snake eyes. "i believe anything is better than what it was," he replied quietly. "that would be nice. i believe the people of the underland deserve something good. music always brings people together."

[1nquirer]

"right," agnes whispered quietly. she still couldn't believe that, out of all people, jasper skellington was involved with donatello. she was protective of the turtles. they had become the closest thing she had to a family thus far since they had taken her under their wing. however, agnes didn't want to create a scene. she had too much of a reputation for doing that.

"things, as in life, in general?" she asked. "things are fine. i'm looking forward to the summer. provided there wouldn't be anymore drama this time." between her losing her job and finding out that one of her closest friends was kidnap...

she paused, then insisted. "things are fine." she sighed. "you?"

[skellingtonisms]

jasper was aware that agnes spent time with the turtles. at times, he felt guilty for his status on the council. donnie's support would never waver, but it wasn't exactly easy being tied to someone who was part of the group most blamed for all the misfortunes happening to elias.

"well, the pop event that happened recently, but yes, life in general." he had made it point to keep anges close. he valued her opinion. if anyone was going to give it to him straight, it was agnes, and that's exactly what he wanted. "oh, yes i agree. i am hoping for a drama-free summer. the city seems to have mellowed out since december. i think some .. joy is owed, don't you?"

"oh, uhm, i'm quite alright. busy as per usual. wedding planning will begin now that donnie has returned from new york. other than that, i suppose i can't complain about life as of late."

[chessmorrigan]

ah, of course this was what it meant - a favorite. chess had not spent much time trying to determine a favorite. preferences felt so human to the wonderland creature that they hardly took the time to decide their own.

"cats are fine," they concluded hesitantly. after determining that the man wasn't asking if he turned into a cat, it felt strange not to say he was a cat person. the answer was an apparent 'yes' either way. "there's just so many of them." this was really what threw chess off, the mere number of cats. while they were certain there were plenty of human things they have yet to experience, this just felt like too many cats for a coffee shop. chess was thankful that the grotto only had one - him.

"i have tried the bitter one," they said, making a face as they remembered the taste of the drink agnes a few months back. it might have actually been from here. "but pumpkin sounds nice. please-" chess smiled, remembering this new rule of politeness. "and thank you."

[skellingtonisms]

Jasper hummed softly, as his arms crossed over his chest. "they're alright." the skeleton had always been a dog person by nature. uno was his most loyal companion, his dearest friend when he had no one. cats were just, as chess said, fine. one would think that living in a place where halloween was celebrated year round and with a mother who was a witch, jasper would have a soft spot for felines. it wasn't until recently that he had come to enjoy them only because donnie had brought a kitten home. now their lives centered around uno and galileo. "well, it is. cat cafe. i agree there are too many of them. i only like one cat and he's currently at home." as if on cue, he watched as a black cat rubbed against his leg. he bent down to scratch behind the cat's ear. he was a monster, yes, but he wasn't a heartless monster. he may not have been a fan of cats but he still met them with kindness. "i do wonder how it's hygienic with all the fur flying around, but i suppose it's a mystery better left unsolved."

"and you didn't enjoy it on its own?" jasper asked. chess' reaction was an answer enough. there was an oddity to chess that jasper could pick up on. perhaps it was because he, too was once a fish out of water when he arrived in elias. imagine his shock when the children here threw balls instead of heads and there were no monsters with sharp teeth and red glowing eyes hidden under your bed. "of course. would you like a pastry for the road as well? i always add something sweet with my coffee."

[locknteagues]

Logan studied him for a moment without saying anything.Not startled. Not defensive. Just… observant. He had to admit that this was unexpected. Jasper looked out of place in Snake Eyes. Too refined for the noise, too composed for the desperation dripping from the casino floor beneath them. Even surrounded by flashing lights and drunken laughter, there was still something distinctly other about him. Like the room itself knew he didn’t belong there.

His cigarette glowed faintly between his fingers as he leaned back against the railing again, gaze drifting briefly over the crowd below before returning to Jasper. “Mm,” he hummed quietly. “Guess that depends on what rumor you heard.”

There wasn’t pride in his voice. If anything, Logan sounded mildly inconvenienced by the entire situation. He’d noticed the way people reacted now. The whispers when he walked through the Underland.

“You picked an interesting time to finally visit,” he added after a beat, smoke curling from his mouth as he spoke. “Most people avoid places after somebody gets murdered in them.” Logan’s eyes flicked over Jasper again, sharper this time. Curious in a detached sort of way.

[skellingtonisms]

Jasper had stayed as far away as he could from Snake Eyes for a variety of reasons. The main one being Orion himself. Jasper knew that he stuck out under the red neon lights. He screamed opulence without even trying. Although he tried not to scream it as often, the designer jacket made it hard to ignore that he did not belong in a place where people gambled the last of their funds in hopes of winning something better.

His eyes watched the smoke billow out from Logan's lips. In that moment, he didn't look like the boy he had grown up around. The youngest of the Teagues, who always held a quiet sensitivity about him. Instead, he looked like a man, someone confident in his strides. If he were allowed to be, Jasper would've been proud in that moment to see Logan come into himself away from Orion. "That he's dead."

"Why would I have visited this place when he was alive?" Orion's sick obsession with Jasper had haunted him for years. In the darkest corners of his life, the boogie man lingered. For the first time in a very long time, he felt free. "I suppose they don't, but death seems to be something that is second nature to us who are from Hallow Falls."

[donniehamctos]

Donnie melted instantly the second Jasper kept carrying him instead of putting him down. Objectively speaking, he was fully capable of walking on his own. He had functioning legs. Excellent balance, actually. But Jasper carrying him through the airport like he was a precious treasure made him melt. He should be embarrassed but how could he? He was so loved. So no, he wasn’t about to complain.

His arms stayed loosely looped around Jasper’s shoulders, fingers absentmindedly playing with strands of dark hair near the nape of his neck while he watched him with that dangerous sort of affection he usually tried to disguise behind sarcasm. “I am very independent...but you're determined to undo it.” Donnie informed him dryly. “You weaponized emotional attachment. Very manipulative behavior, Skellington.” His mouth twitched upward despite himself before he leaned down to steal another quick kiss because apparently he’d become incapable of existing more than thirty seconds without doing that now.

“Well,” he started, “your future father-in-law emotionally drained me within approximately forty-eight hours.” He loved his father dearly but he could be a lot as well. “He made tea and gave me relationship advice. But he also stared me down when asking about whether I'd been 'behaving'. Like he doesn't already know how terrible I am.” Donnie narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. “I’m like ninety percent sure he can see through walls.” His tone softened after a second thoug. “But it was… good. I told him about us. About the engagement.” His thumb brushed lightly against Jasper’s shoulder as he spoke. “I think he was happier about it than I was prepared for, honestly. He hugged me for too long and made me promise I wouldn't elope.”

Donnie rested his forehead briefly against Jasper’s temple, exhaustion finally catching up to him now that he was close again. “And I worked on some things while I was there,” he continued carefully, lips twitching faintly. “Actually, correction, I accidentally started a morally complicated science project. One I'm not sure I'll be able to accomplish." He sighed. “I’ll explain later. Preferably after food and approximately six uninterrupted hours of kissing you. I missed home.”

[skellingtonisms]

Jasper was well aware he was making a scene in the airport by carrying Donnie. Truthfully, he didn't care. He had missed his fiancée terribly. There was a throbbing ache that lived in his chest that had now disappeared. Jasper was utterly, completely, and ridiculously in love. An obsessed, love-sick puppy who had tunnel vision for one person. He never imagined he would be so intertwined with another soul. If it were possible, Jasper would have stitched their very beings together so they wouldn't be apart. To any normal person, it all sounded completely deranged, but Jasper loved with a ferocity that could scare any regular individual. Only Donnie could meet him in his intensity.

A wave of contentment washed over him as the skeleton, as he felt his lover's fingers thread through his hair. Oh, how he missed this. The sensation of being so close. Of the electricity dancing from Donnie's fingertips, piercing his skin deep enough to jolt his heart. "Uh huh, we've been together for almost six years. By now, I would have undone it if you weren't so stubborn." A smirk worked its way onto his lips. An easy teasing tone etched into his words that still held adoration in every syllable. "My poor little turtle. Manipulated by the emotional attachment of a skeleton who is entirely devoted to you. Whatever shall you do?" Jasper happily accepted the kiss. His own lips linger. He wasn't ready to pull apart quite yet.

Jasper listened carefully as Donnie rambled on. Soft hums and nods of acknowledgment were made here and there to let the other know Jasper had his full attention. A usual routine for them: Donnie talking Jasper's ear off and Jasper listening like everything Donnie said was the most important thing ever, and to Jasper, it was. "Your father loves you very much. I'm sure not having you around all the time is quite the adjustment for him. Yoshi should know that you are a menace 98% of the time." Donnie was a handful, but Jasper wouldn't have had him any other way. His eyes softened as Donnie continued. "Did you expect him to be mildly whelmed over our engagement? He was over the moon when Raphael asked Elizabeth. Well, he has no worries about that. My ... family will expect a proper wedding in Hallow Falls. A royal wedding, I suppose. However, I thought we could do something more intimate as well with just your family."

The skeleton pressed a gentle kiss to Donnie's cheek. In no time, they arrived at their car. Jasper was still holding Donnie as he opened the passenger door and placed him inside. He moved to put the luggage in the trunk, then made his way to the driver's side, stealing a quick kiss once seated. "Please don't tell me you started another science experiment that challenges the forces that may be." There was a lightness in his voice that hid the worrying undertone. Donnie had a tendency to go overboard with experiments. Jasper often had to reel him back in. "I had dinner started before picking you up. I made your favorites. I know Uno and Galileo will be happy with your return. I hope you know we are going to do more than just kissing in these next six uninterrupted hours."

[goldcnheart]

♛ ¦ 𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕟 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕖𝕣 ༺ for everyone

Ambrosius had been standing in front of the vegetable stand for nearly ten minutes. Not because anything was wrong. Not because he couldn't make a decision. But because somehow choosing what to make for dinner felt significantly more complicated than facing down a dragon. The market bustled around him, vendors calling out prices and children weaving between stalls while the scent of fresh bread drifted from somewhere nearby. Ambrosius barely noticed any of it. Instead, he stood with a basket hooked over one arm and a zucchini in one hand, studying it like it held the secrets of the universe.

"Right," he muttered to himself. "But what does one actually do with a zucchini?" The vegetable, unfortunately, offered no guidance. A tomato sat in his basket. Alongside it was garlic, potatoes, carrots, and what might've been enough onions to feed a small army.

In hindsight, he may have started shopping before deciding what he was actually cooking. With a thoughtful hum, Ambrosius set the zucchini down only to immediately pick up an eggplant. His brow furrowed. The truth was, he enjoyed little things like this. Normal things. There was something comforting about standing in a market deciding what to make for dinner. No battles to fight. No expectations to live up to. Just an ordinary afternoon and the possibility of a good meal.

Unfortunately, ordinary life came with its own challenges. Like eggplants. Ambrosius sighed dramatically before looking toward the nearest person. "Alright, I need an unbiased opinion." He lifted both vegetables. "Which one is easier to accidentally turn into dinner? And please answer as though my previous cooking experience consists primarily of not setting things on fire." His smile widened slightly. "A skill I'm very proud of, for the record."

[skellingtonisms]

It was the time of the week when Jasper gathered groceries to plan meals for the upcoming days. The farmers' market had always been a pleasant experience. There was something quaint about it. It felt intimate knowing that people in town grew or baked the offerings that people bought. He was happy to aid the people in Elias in any way he could, especially if it meant shopping local.

Jasper had grown up in the lap of luxury. The Skellingtons had a personal chef who created the vast majority of meals. As a young boy who was left alone with the help, Jasper took it upon himself to learn. Some of his favorite memories were learning how to cook from the chefs. Baking had coming easier to him as it was a science, whereas cooking came from the heart. At times, it was hard for the skeleton to listen to what his heart was saying. Over the years, he had fine-tuned his cooking. It had become a love language when he began dating Donnie. He swore to this day that the only reason Donnie stayed the next morning after the first time they connected was because of his pumpkin pancakes. Now every weekend, he happily makes those for his little turtle.

As he rounded the vegetables, he noticed a familiar figure come into view. Ambrosius had been hired to guard the council. With all that was happening in the Underland and the unrest from Elias' citizens, the big three had decided that protection was needed for the council members. Just in case.

"Well, you could easily sauté both. There's also the option of making either crispy baked parmesan zucchini or eggplant parmesan. I suppose. It depends on what vegetation you prefer." Jasper replied simply. His eyes fell on the basket. "You have a tomato. You could make ratatouille."

[violetheroism]

open starter

location: main street bakery (old elias)

sat at one of the outdoor tables, violet held the beautiful invitation in her hand. somehow a few crumbs from her spongecake had fallen on it, so she brushed them off with her fingers. but not even a sprinkle of sugar revealed the paper to be anything more than just —

"paper. it's just...paper," she frowned. "but, of course, it's just paper. evil, red herring paper."

violet's frown was set. when a ray of sunlight made her squint, she had the brilliant idea of holding it up to the sun, thinking the paper might undergo somekind of chemical reaction and reveal invisible ink, but all that happened was her accidentally whacking someone with it.

"—sorry!"

[skellingtonisms]

jasper had stopped in to main street bakery for his usual assortment of treats. the skeleton made sure to get enough to last them throughout the week, but most weeks, the sweet pastries were gone before sunday rolled around.

he was making his way to the glass so he could peruse the newest items. one would think with how ridiculously tall jasper was, he would have an eagle-eye view of everything. that didn't stop him from colliding with another body.

"oh, miss. parr, my apologies." the last time the two spoke, jasper had learned that violet was tainted by krampus. since then, he had been tirelessly researching; he even went so far as to contact sandy claws himself in hopes that the man in red could give some insight into how to fix this. "i see you got the invitation that was sent out. will you be in attendance?"

[1nquirer]

it had been a while since agnes have been back at gideon's. it's a fun place and agnes had enjoyed it when she visited. however, after she wrote a fluff piece on the bakehouse that got axed by the editorial team (they didn't like agnes writing extensively about the owner), agnes didn't dare step foot back there. she didn't want to disappoint gideon after all.

but she couldn't avoid the place forever, and with her no longer being at the elias chronicle, she was more than happy to divulge the information on what truly happened with that article.

only, she didn't expect to see jasper skellington of all people. she still felt awkward with him. did he know when she confronted the council that one fateful day, her life would change?

"butterscotch sounds like the safest bet." agnes hummed. "to be honest, i don't really like these mystery bags. i get why they have to do it, but ... it's not my cup of tea."

[skellingtonisms]

the last time that jasper had come face to face with agnes hollow, he was being interrogated by the young girl. her questions had stung only because he wasn't used to being questioned. the people in hallow falls placed him on a pedestal without question. his role on the council had been humbling to say the least.

agnes' questions weren't wrong and in truth, she had every right to ask them. jasper had taken what she said to heart. the skeleton was trying to do better and be better since that day.

"butterscotch is quite cute." he mused, grabbing a blind box for his fiancée and his twin. "donnie is obsessed with them. so, i buy them when i can. i don't understand all the buzz about them either but these are more my speed aesthetically." he hummed and turned to agnes. "how are you enjoying things, agnes?"

[skellingtonisms]

from this one

🦕🧊

🦕          »        what    is    something    your    character    wishes    they    could    go    back    into    the    past    and    redo    ?

Jasper paused, genuinely thinking the question over. There weren't many moments in his life he would redo. The choices he made have led him to where he is now, something he doesn't regret in the slightest. "If I could go back in time and be smarter in my actions when it came to the amulet Orion used to control me. I know the events that occurred weren't my fault; however, there is a part of me that feels I could have prevented it altogether. Or at least, break the spell sooner."

🧊          »        what    does    your    character    first    notice    about    another    individual    ?

"Eyes are the first thing I notice about someone. It is true when they say they're the windows to the soul."

[skellingtonisms]

𝄞 for a song my muse would dance to at their wedding

Someone Who Loves Me by Sara Bareilles.

[reapingsoul]

open starter

📍 the entrance of hatchaway cemetery

it was the quiet hours of midnight when grim stood outside of the cemetary. it had become a habit of sorts since he arrived in elias. he never hovered around cemeteries before this, call him sentimental he didn't want to risk meeting any grieving family members or friends of the deceased.

but right now? he felt the pull to go here... maybe to atone for what he had been doing for hades.

the path was illuminated by the light from his scythe, which he set down for a moment to surveil the area. "alright," he warned sharply when he felt the presence of another. "step back from the scythe. it's not your property."

[skellingtonisms]

the cemetery was a place jasper frequented. it was his favorite place to spend time in. he always felt at home among the dead. in hallow falls, he spent most of his nights sitting atop the spiral hill in the cemetery. there, the weight of his name didn't bear down on him. he could be himself without the expectations of others.

he was taking a nightly stroll. the night sky a familiar friend. it hung around him like an old blanket, secure and warm. the moon, his oldest and dearest friend, shone bright above him. she guided him home as she always had.

jasper only stilled when he saw the scythe leaning against a headstone. his curiosity carried him before jasper's mind could catch up. where there was a scythe, there was surely a grim reaper near. jasper wondered why one would be in elias. the skeleton didn't question why one was in a cemetery. that would be silly. "my apologies. i've only seen these in photos and textbooks. never in person. it's a fascinating tool, isn't it?"