#chat:oz

[captaincxdfish]

@shxdow-onthemoon​

James liked Wonderland. It was kind of grimy but there was a strange aura to it. The dancers were pretty gorgeous and his favorite little floater worked there-- Alice. She was a real gem but when she wasn’t working James spent his time downstairs where he could gamble. He wasn’t a big gambler but sometimes those damn slot machines just sucked him in. Then there was the blackjack table. He never won but it was still fun and he was usually too high to care. He found himself there again, a cigarette loosely hanging from his mouth. “I’ve got a twenty. No fucking way you’ve got twenty-one.” He slapped his cards down then took a drag off of the cigarette, flicking the ash onto one of the ashtrays at the table. 

[bcnedaddy]

Closed starter for: @shadxwmoonlight Location: Moonlight Casino

It troubled Jack, seeing Helena with Oz of all people. As far as Jack knew the man was simply the owner of the town's casino and had a smooth way with words. He had never been hostile towards Jack. Quite the opposite. Jack couldn't recall how many drinks Oz had generously let Jack have for free. His words and actions didn't add up with the feeling Jack had in the pit of his stomach though. It wasn't just seeing him with Helena at the cemetery. Before that there was almost a gut feeling telling him that this man was trouble. Jack had a curious nature though and needed to know more. But why were they together? Not that he was owed an explanation, but Jack felt uneasy about it. Was this...jealousy? No, surely not. He had no reason to be jealous of Oz. Jack was sat at the bar, knowing the man would reveal himself at one point. He'd never been here and not seen Oz. He was nursing this third gin and tonic, the glass nearly empty by now with mostly melted ice that watered down whatever little alcohol had been left. Then he felt it. It was almost a malicious aura and Jack could almost feel the ghastly silhouette breathing down his neck. The hairs on the back of his own neck stood up and he dared not turn his head. Curiosity killed the cat and satisfaction may have brought it back, but cats only had so many lives at the end of the day. When he saw the man walk around the bar Jack instantly planted a bright grin on his face. "Oz! Always splendid to see you when I come by." His grin didn't falter and as bright as he was beaming the grin was almost eerie. Jack let his eyes meet with Oz's, a million questions boiling in his mind that he desperately needed to know. He couldn't ask though. He wasn't going to. "How have you been? Are you enjoying the holiday season so far?" he asked, trying to make the conversation feel casual. He had to keep reminding himself there was nothing this man had personally done to him for him to feel such disdain again him. His grin softened into a curious smile. "I personally love the holidays. Any of them, really." He brought the glass to his lips and finished the watered down drink. "Would you be kind enough to get me another drink?"

[bcnedaddy]

Closed starter for: @shadxwmoonlight Location: Moonlight Casino

Jack had been frequenting the casino a bit more since meeting the owner of the place the first time he'd stumbled in there. It was usually on one of his late night walks that he mindlessly ended up there as his thoughts would wander. It was one of those nights. Jack was pretty exhausted in all honesty but was running on copious amounts of caffeine and manic thoughts. He couldn't think straight, word that failed to go from pen to page and nightmares that plagued him whenever he closed his eyes were uphill battles he couldn't conquer. In attempts to be free from the chains that were his problems he had a few drinks and tried his hand at blackjack. Time seem got away from Jack though and before he knew it the night was nearly at an end. The place wasn't empty, but it was noticeable that people were starting to slowly disappear through the front door after a long night of gambling and drinking or whatever other vice people used to indulge. Jack had opted for a water when he went to the bar one last time, setting his whatever number empty gin and tonic on the bar-top. The man behind the bar was a face Jack wouldn't forget since meeting though. "Well, look who has come out of hiding for the night. I swear I haven't seen you once all night." He grinned brightly at the man. Okay, so maybe he was a little drunk. It happened to the best of people. His hair was a bit disheveled from running his hand through it when a game began to have high stakes. "I'll admit I've stopped by a few times but we must always miss each other. This place has a certain...charm." As he looked at Oz it took him a moment to focus his vision. Maybe he was more than just a little drunk. Regardless, he was curious about Oz. Even inebriated he knew something was off about him and he wanted to get to the bottom of it. It almost made Jack feel guilty for being suspicious, seeing as Oz seemed like such a kind and genuine person. Something felt so strangely familiar and Jack wouldn't pinpoint why. From the moment they had met something was off to Jack. Still, he kept his friendly demeanor around him and felt there was no harm in doing so. What's the worst this man could do to him anyways? Probably not much, or so Jack thought. His grin softened into a goofy smile before he spoke up again. "Have you been lurking in the shadows, or something? I'm sure as the owner you've got a watchful eye on the place, even from afar."

[serenalockhart]

Okay, wait.

So...you're telling me that Thanksgiving is basically the celebration if Native American genocide? {Serena raises an eyebrow, then shakes her head and laughs.} Oh, America.

{She awkwardly adjusts the tight scarf that is being used to conceal the bruises on her neck, knowing that despite the fact that it's uncomfortable, she can't take it off. She sighs softly, running a hand through her loose red curls and glancing to Oz, then back over to the rest of the family. Part of her was glad she wasn't the only one who was a bit of an outsider. She could feel them scrutinizing her, but tried to pretend she didn't.}