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anauthore · 1 year

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Escape From Halloweentown {Jack Skellington x Reader} CHAPTER 6 - Big Deal

Summary: When a game of hide-and-seek goes wrong, you find yourself lost in the woods without a way home. Whether it be fate, or just dumb luck, you suddenly find yourself in a far bigger predicament than you ever thought you would be- and it’s not just because you can’t seem to find your little brother.

Pairing: Reader / Jack Skellington. A very slow burn fic.

NOTE: This is a full-length fanfic! If you don’t want to read chapter by chapter on tumblr, please use the following links to read in a different format / on a different website! Word Count: ~4.5k

Author’s Note:

Hey again everyone! Long time no see...

...and I think it's about time I apologize for leaving everyone in the dark for so long. That's something I never should have done- leave without a trace, with no updates or news or plans for longer than what was right. I want to thank you all for being so patient and kind, especially when it comes to this particular fic. I don't want to make any promises, but I have been writing a few chapters ahead, so you can expect some content for a little while longer, at least.

On the plus side, though, I have finally decided that this fic will be my writing "warm up", meaning that I am still continuing this project. In an ideal world, I will see it through to completion, but at the very least, I will let you know if I decide to scrap it and move on to other things.

Either way, I've brought with my return Chapter 6. I hope you enjoy the direction it's starting to take, and I appreciate everyone who's stuck with me this far.

Wattpad | Quotev | AO3

Fic Below the Cut | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

You’d never consider yourself someone who was up to date with the dating scene; even though you were a highschool student- where dating and the dreaded more than dating ran rampant- you weren’t really interested.

Fourth period Biology was your typical class, filled with your average people. You, unlike all the other circumstances thus far, had no friends in this class. Luckily enough, you were assigned lab groups, and forced to make friends, as if you weren’t already struggling enough in your Sophomore year. Still, the memory sticks out in your mind like a sore thumb- especially now.

His name was Victor. He was, to your knowledge, awkward and introverted, but extremely smart. He was known throughout the school, not because he was particularly popular, but because at 15 he was making a lot of scientific history. This, of course, had everyone fighting to be his partner in BioLab, convinced that they would not be doing any sort of work with him around.

That is, everyone was fighting for him but you.

You’d been assigned his partner by sheer luck- Miss Bo had quite literally picked his and your name out of a hat, and so you were sentenced to sit with him during fourth period for the rest of the year. It wasn’t that bad; he’d talk on and on about anything science, and he seemed genuinely interested in you as a person. It wasn’t long before he invited you over- just to work on your final group project.

It was a cloudy day, but the temperature wasn’t too cold nor too hot. It was a perfect day for walking home- or playing outside with Thomas. You felt anxious, especially since the last time you’d visited someone else away from your home, you had been no older than five or six, and it had been a close relative.

Somehow, Victor had noticed your discomfort. He slowed his pace and walked next to you, quiet at first. He spoke up after a few moments of silence, asking if you were okay, and telling you that you didn’t have to come to his house.

“We could move the project to the school, or even keep it at your house if you’d like. There are plenty of other ways to finish this up, so you don’t have to be-”

“No,” you’d cut him off, and you felt really bad about it. He looked up at you like he’d been stung, clearly unused to any sort of social reaction. “No,” you started again, softer, “I want to go to your house. I’m just… not used to going to other people’s places. That’s all. I’m… nervous.”

There was something about the boy that made you feel like you could trust him. So, you did.

His parents looked very surprised when you showed up- they were decent people, inviting you to stay for dinner but letting you know that you didn’t have to. You smiled, and you were polite, and you did everything right.

Thanks to Victor’s above-average intelligence, you were able to finish the project within the hour. That left the rest of the afternoon for you both, and while you could have left, you chose to stay.

You talked for hours and hours, and it was evident that he’d never been able to experience that before. He was slow and awkward at first, but it picked up after a bit. You talked about science, about school, about life… You told him about your Dad’s situation, and how much you just wanted to be able to go home and not take care of your little brother. You told him you were just so tired of doing what your parents should have, and you just wanted somewhere to go that wasn’t home. You wanted to escape from all of those responsibilities that had been forced upon you.

You let everything out. He listened to you, calmly, not putting any input in unless you looked like you wanted him to. He gave great advice, and offered his home as an escape from yours.

He was a great friend. You started seeing his house as your second home, and you both grew closer and closer as the time passed.

Junior year rolled by, and you’d remained in touch. You became his sole reason for upgrading his phone to a smart-phone, and he learned that he could research scientific subjects through the touch of a button. You schooled him on being ‘modern’ and ‘trendy’, and he tutored you in any school subject you needed help with. And, of course, you both talked about life.

It was at the end of Junior year that things had changed. Your home life greatly improved, and you weren’t forced to look after your brother anymore- rather, you’d chosen to keep him safe, because you were his older sister and that was something you wanted to do. The memory was crystal clear- it hurt to think about, but you had to get through it.

Victor spotted you in the almost-empty hallway, emptying out your locker for the day. He’d grown taller, more lanky, and his hair was at his shoulders now. He still had an air of genius about him, but you were used to looking past that.

“Hey,” he called, getting your attention. You looked up at him and saw that he was holding something- a box, carefully wrapped and no bigger than your fist. “So, I have something for you,” he paused, biting his lip and looking down at his gift. “It’s okay if you don’t want to- I just wanted to get you something. Because you’re a really good friend.” He forced a smile as you held the gift, thanking him and opening it.

You pulled the ribbon, expecting just the bow to come loose, but to your surprise the whole box fell apart. For a moment, panic set in, and you thought you’d somehow broken it. In the center was a tiny whirring machine, with bright letters bouncing around spelling P-R-O-M-?. Even further, behind the tiny parts was a preserved rose, as red and healthy as the day it was picked. Slowly realizing that this was what it was supposed to do, you moved the contraption around carefully. You didn’t know what to say- or what to do. You’d thought the two of you were just friends- had he seen you as more than that? He also wasn’t a social person… would he even enjoy himself if you both went?

You voiced your concerns to him, and he brushed them off. “We can go as friends, if you’d like. Either way, I’m asking you to come. If you want.”

You accepted, but later, you’d told him you couldn’t. You had to watch Thomas, and he was being particularly fussy that night.

Instead, he gave the tickets away and came over to help you. You both spent the night baking, talking science, and having a blast. More fun than you would have had at the dance, that was for certain.

As the night came winding down, you both were sat on the couch, watching TV. Your Dad didn’t get home for another four hours- 3am was the end of his shift, and it took him about an hour from his job to get home and situated.

Victor had been quiet for a while, which wasn’t uncharacteristic of him, but it seemed like he had something on his mind. He’d turned to you suddenly, and confessed his feelings. He was moving across the country at the end of this school year, for both his educational benefit and for his father’s business. He looked worried, and scared, but he had wanted to tell you before he left how much he’d miss you. He promised to keep in touch, and he promised that he’d never forget you.

You had been so confused. You didn’t think you had any feelings for him, but his sudden confession had you guessing all sorts of things. He’d said he’d had those feelings for a while, and you thought maybe it had started when you met, but you didn’t want to assume. He didn’t avoid you at school- if anything, he stuck by your side more than he’d ever done before. You didn’t blame him, though. He was leaving soon, and these weeks were going to be his last here.

He said goodbye before he left. He’d been packed up for the night, and they were leaving in the morning. You told him that you’d make your decision then… but it didn’t happen. You asked him to give you more time, to give you some space, to let you think about things, and you did.

He hugged you goodbye, and then he was gone. He texted you updates from time to time, and at first you would reply, but after a month or so you stopped. He stopped contacting you over the Summer. You didn’t speak to him from then on.

If only you’d been less stupid, you might have had a loving boyfriend. If only you confessed to him your feelings- your uncertainty about a relationship, the stress you already had from school and home- maybe then things would have worked out. Maybe your first kiss would be with the boy you wanted by your side more than anything.

But it wasn’t.

You wiped the tears from your cheeks and took a deep breath. A skeleton monster… was my first kiss. Ever. Your initial anger subsided, but you were still left at an impasse. You could run away right now, probably. He’d undone your collar, and left you alone to use the bathroom. Somehow, though, you didn’t want to leave. There was a terrible feeling in your gut telling you to wait. It isn’t safe.

Your mind told you that you should let Jack know that it was a mistake. Maybe he’d understand and let you go if you said that you needed to find your brother still- maybe he could relate? You realized that you had no idea what he was like outside of the few interactions you’d had with him during your stay here. What were you to do?

You sat in wait, hoping that your reddened face would pale so Jack wouldn’t think you had been crying- which, you had been, but you didn’t want him to know that. To be safe, you decided that some cold water would help; luckily there was a built in sink, so you turned the knob labeled ‘cold’ and sure enough, clear, cold water came spurting out. You splashed yourself a few times and wiped the excess off with the hem of your shirt. You felt much cooler, and your face felt less red- although the puffiness might still give you away.

You headed downstairs, uncollared for the first time in the past few days.

. . .

For the first time, Jack’s skull felt empty. Well, not completely empty, but rather void of anything save for you. He kept remembering the way you were tangled with him, how warm your body was, how your breaths made him feel… fuzzy. For whatever reason, you were intoxicating to him, and he didn’t want to let that feeling go. Hell, he’d barely even discovered it! He wanted to explore whatever it was that you two had been doing, he wanted to learn, but he didn’t know if that was entirely correct of him.

You’d mentioned looking for your brother before, of course, and the vampyres had mentioned it to him before he stepped in to take you to his home. He didn’t know anything about this said ‘brother’ of yours, but the longer he kept you here, the more his stomach tossed and turned; his gut was telling him he needed to do the right thing and let you go.

His head was so full of these thoughts, he thought his skull might shatter. Light-headed, he sat down at his kitchen table and sipped on a tall glass of water, as per his usual morning routine. He had changed from his pajamas earlier, while you were using the restroom, the same pinstripe suit fitted with a bat-for-a-tie he’d always worn.

You crept downstairs, some of the steps creaking and others not making a single utterance of noise. You had hoped Jack was not sitting forefront and center of the downstairs room you’d only briefly seen in passing, yet he was there, slumped over a glass of water. You almost felt bad for him, seeing him like that. You stood at the end of the steps, not knowing what to do. Should you say hi? Alert him of your presence?

In the end, it seemed that you didn’t have to do either of those things, as Jack straightened himself and looked in your direction, stepping up from his seated position to pull out another chair meant for you.

“Here, have a seat”, he said, his voice still unused to speaking for the night. “I can make breakfast for you. Would you like… eggs? And toast, perhaps?”

You nodded your head, mental whiplash plaguing you at his turn from a sleepy almost-lover to a polite breakfast-maker. Deep inside you, anger filled your heart; was he really going to ignore the fact that you both kissed? More than that, though, was a wonderful relief that swept over you. You wouldn’t have to talk about it yet, and that bought you some time still to come to terms with it.

You let him seat you, even doing so much as slightly pushing in your chair before he plucked an apron from it’s place on a secluded hook and started to gather ingredients for your breakfast. A bony palm grasped four eggs while his other hand held a pan; he effortlessly placed the pan on the stove and cracked each egg with one hand, waiting until the outside started to turn white before seasoning them. You watched, mesmerized by his skill.

“You sure are good at this,” you remarked, hoping to gain some courage just by pointing out the obvious.

He turned around for a second, a brow raised pointedly at you before he turned his attention back to the eggs. “Good at what?”

“Cooking. You make it look easy.”

Jack chuckled, his notoriously wide smile making an appearance on his features. “What, you can’t cook?”

Great, you thought, now I’ve embarrassed myself. The truth was you did know how to cook, just not very well. Every attempt you’ve made at it always ended in either an almost-housefire or very burnt food. “I can,” you stated, drawing out the ‘can’ part, “but I always make a mess of it. The food I cook is just… inedible.”

Jack hummed in response, watching the eggs cook. After a second or so of silence, he spoke up again, this time with an offer;

“If you’d like, I can teach you to cook the next meal you have.”

You were taken aback by his offer. First, he’d seemed like a cruel being, forcing you to sleep in a dog’s bed, then, he swept you off to bed and stole your first kiss, now he’s offering to teach you how to cook? You were so lost in this train of thought that you didn’t notice him setting the dish in front of you, but when you snapped back to reality, you realized you’d forgotten your manners.

“Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.”

You looked at him momentarily, almost as if you were asking permission to eat the food that he made specifically for you. He sat opposite you at his tiny dining table, and nodded as he rested his chin on his bony fists. You didn’t need a second signal, for you were already scarfing down the food like you’d been starving for days (which, you hadn’t been, as Jack was very on time with your meals and their delivery).

The skeleton-type watched you, probably thinking something over in his own mind. You didn’t want to know if he was the type of person to think sick thoughts of somebody in secret- your brain came up with all sorts of cruel things he could be thinking, but you pushed them down, reasoning with yourself that it was you who were thinking sick thoughts of Jack thinking sick thoughts. In truth, you had no idea what he was thinking, but if you were honest, you kind of wanted to know.

First, though, you wanted to take him up on his previous offer.

“I would like that, by the way. To cook with you.” Your voice came out meek and, once again, pathetic-sounding. You frowned at yourself- why was it that, when it came to things like this, did your anxiety choose to make you appear fragile?

Jack paused for a moment, leaning back from the position he was in, only to respond with yet another toothy smile; “Then it’s a date.”

Your face reddened a bit before you took hold of your senses. He doesn’t mean it like that, stop overthinking, you thought to yourself, munching on the last bit of toast he’d served on your plate.

“By the way,” he started again, choosing to continue this conversation, “I never got your name. Clearly you know mine… care to tell me yours?”

You were a bit shocked, but it was true- he never learned your name, and you never said it.

“My name is (Y/n).” It was a short statement that answered his question, and he nodded. He didn’t poke or prod any further, seeming happy that you gave him an answer.

Without a word, he cleaned up your dirty dishes, and you sat patiently, waiting for him to finish. He turned around when he was done, leaning up against the counter with his hands folded over his chest. He stared off into the distance before he sighed and rubbed his temple, looking back at you with an odd look displayed across his features.

“I’m sorry.”

You weren’t really sure what he was referring to… feeling emboldened, you tried to negate the previous meekness you were exerting.

“Sorry for…? Kidnapping me, forcing me to sleep in a dog bed, or stealing my first kiss?”

His sockets went wide (as if that were a normal thing skeleton creatures could do), and his jaw might as well have been touching the floor. The other things he felt sorry for- how he didn’t realize how inhumane he was treating you, he didn’t know- but your first kiss? How could he have just stolen that like it meant nothing?

“I-I’m- I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have done that, it was very impolite of me, I’m-”

You cut off his rambling, feeling sort of bad at having made him feel so negatively. “It’s okay, Jack. I probably won’t kiss anyone for a long time anyway, so I doubt that it matters much.”

Your sass had turned solemn, and your expression reflected as much. He didn’t speak, still feeling horrible at what he’d done. His gut turned inside-out, and he didn’t feel quite like himself. He needed to get away from you… a walk would be nice, and hopefully some fresh air would help.

He quickly straightened his posture, giving his suit a pat down and mumbled something about trusting you not to leave, then he was out of his front door. You sat at the table, dumbfounded. Did he really just leave you alone? Was this your chance?

You waited for a long moment before you rose from your seat, peering out his front windows. Sure enough, on one of the paths leading away from the giant gate in front of his small manor, he was hurrying away, hands clutched behind his back as his legs continuously propelled himself forward.

You blinked. He did. You could literally leave, right now, and have an opportunity to find your way home.

At your excitement, you almost reached for the knob and booked it right then. But you needed shoes before you trekked the forest- even though the sun was out, it would get very cold at night, and you didn’t want to damage your feet from the long walk through the forest either. All the brush you’d have to go through, and all the rocks you’d have to climb…

You searched the house fervently, desperately wanting to find some sort of shoe. Hell, even Jack’s would do. Somehow you managed to get yourself in his basement, where a thick string hung up your previously dirty clothes. Why it was in the basement, you didn’t know- maybe he was trying to hide your presence as a human from the rest of the town? Maybe he really was trying to protect you from his own kind…

You shook the thoughts away both mentally and physically. You had to leave, now. Who knows if you’d get another chance as good as this one?

You found your shoes, still slightly damp, tucked in the corner of the room on the ironing board. You cringed at having your feet squeeze into damp shoes, but you knew it would feel better outside than your bare feet. You practically leaped up the stairs and out the front door, taking care not to slam the door or alert any monster nearby of your transportation.

You silently sprinted as far down the cobble path in the opposite direction of Jack, not wanting to bump into him by accident. You rushed past deformed houses, some with the same strings of laundry running from out of their windows, and others that looked like it belonged in a cartoon with how much the house was leaning over. Your legs started to hurt, the few days of disuse not doing you any favors. Still, you pushed them harder, not wanting to get tied up in the area.

You ran past more houses, and soon you were forced to slow due to a giant well blocking your path. You must have ran into the center of town instead of on the outskirts… not wanting to bump into Jack sent you deep into the heart of this monster-infested town.

Your pulse quickened, but you felt like you couldn’t run anymore. Adrenaline surged in your veins, but your body couldn’t take it. You started to hyperventilate, your head fuzzy and your vision starting to blur. No… no! I can’t have a panic attack right now. It’s too dangerous!

Your mind screamed at you to get up!, but you just couldn’t. It was hard to breathe now, and you focused so hard on it that you didn’t realize your knees buckling underneath you. And then, your worst fear: a monster you’d never seen before making its way toward you.

You could make out gills and other physical aspects that pointed to fish, and even though your vision was blurring, it was enough to scare the hell out of you. You scrambled to your feet, your eyes darting back and forth to find a path that just led to the forest. You barreled away from the fish-thing, and toward a path that led somewhere, but again you were stopped as a devil- yes, like the thing from Hell- pointed his staff at you. You got chills down your spine, and quickly turned the other direction only to be caught by a different monster.

You backed up, looking all around you as they seemed to multiply and close you in, nearly everyone’s arms outstretched as if they were trying to grab you. You’d been so foolish, running off like that in a direction you didn’t know. It was ironic, how your last thought would be, “So Jack was telling the truth- he was protecting me”.

Jack… Jack! Jack could still protect you!

Out of options, you opened your mouth and yelled as loud as you possibly could.

“Jack! Please, Jack! Help me!”

You voice was shrill in the air, but you meant it sincerely. You needed Jack to come save you.

A few monsters were taken aback by your name-drop. Some made eye contact in confusion, but most stopped coming toward you. Still, you were surrounded by monsters, with no way out now.

It was so silent that your quick and heavy breaths could be heard, and you scrambled back in a circle, making sure no one got too close. Then, you yelled again, hoping he could hear you.

“Jack! Please! Jack!”

The Devil turned to the one next to him, clearly the most confused, said loud enough for everyone to hear, “Did she just call for Jack?”

Another monster behind you uttered another comment: “A human? Who knows the Pumpkin King?”

They started mumbling more, disbelief setting in for them. Were you really involved with Jack?

A lightbulb went off in your head, and while you thought it was the riskiest idea yet, there was nothing that could prove otherwise right now. Plus, bone man did just kiss you earlier that morning. You summoned all your courage and made up a huge lie, hoping that they’d let you go.

“Yes! I know Jack- he’s- we’re together! We’re dating, and he’s gone off to think about whether or not to make me his bride!”

There were some stunned faces in the crowd, and a few who absolutely believed what you said. Some were suspicious, and narrowed their eyes, feeling threatened at you being so bold to make a statement like that.

“Jack would never!” “A human? Really?” “I would bet all of the pumpkins in the pumpkin patch that she’s lying.”

Clearly, the monsters were more enraged at this thought than anything. You shrunk down, terrified of everyone and thinking that this would be your clear end. You closed your eyes, preparing yourself for any sort of harm or contact-

You felt a force barrel into you, and bony fingers press at your sides, and many gasps emanated from all around you. You tore open your eyes only to see Jack, knelt down in front of you and shaking you slightly with a worried expression on his face. And, more than that, he looked scared.

“(Y/n)! (Y/n), are you okay? You’re safe? Oh, thank heavens for that.” As fast as your brain had adjusted to him miraculously showing up, you had to adjust to him pulling you into a hug, tightly. Before you could react, though, you were in front of him again, feeling like a deer in headlights as well as Raggedy Ann from the whiplash you’d gotten.

“Jack, are you involved with this human? Romantically?” One brave monster stepped forward, wanting answers, and wanting them now.

Jack’s expression was one of pure surprise, but it was a kind of surprise that steered more toward the embarrassed side. Quickly he contained himself, and put on an air of authority.

“No! She’s- she’s my pet! I left the house and forgot to put her collar on. That’s all!” He smiled like nothing was wrong. Like you really were his pet.

And for some reason, him saving you like this infuriated you.

You’d almost escaped, yet you’d just had to make yourself more trouble. And then Jack had to be the one to get you out of it.

Before anyone can ask any more questions, he quite literally dragged you away, you scrambling to your feet and being led back to his house with a tug of your arm. You knew you were going to get talked to, and you felt a little bit like a child who knew they were going to get scolded by their parents, but the worst part is, somewhere deep inside you, you were happy that you had an excuse to stay a little longer.

#Jack Skellington #jack skellington x reader #jack skellington x female reader #the nightmare before christmas #thenightmarebeforechristmas #x reader #tnbc #fanficiton #fanfiction on tumblr #fanfic

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anauthore · 2 years

Text

Escape From Halloweentown {Jack Skellington x Reader} CHAPTER 5 - Good Morning

Pairing: Reader / Jack Skellington. A very slow burn fic.

NOTE: This is a full-length fanfic! If you don’t want to read chapter by chapter on tumblr, please use the following links to read in a different format / on a different website!

CW: Slight NSFW themes

Hey all! I'm back with this chapter and it has some... surprises. I know I specified that this is a slow burn fic, and it IS, but some spice doesn't hurt here. Also, I wanted to put a content warning in case someone didn't want to read because of their closeness- I'll spoil what happens below for those who are on the edge about it.

As always, thanks for choosing my fic! I really appreciate it x

SPOILER: You and Jack sleep together, and in the morning he accidentally stimulates you with the bones of his leg. It doesn't progress pass 'accidental' and you quickly go to the bathroom.

Wattpad | Quotev | AO3

Fic Below the Cut | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

The fire crackled, a few select sparks flying out and disappearing as quick as they did so. Jack stood watching you, your breaths making your back rise and fall rhythmically, as you slept draped across the windowsill. That can’t be comfortable… Jack thought, his first instinct wanting to bring you to bed and cover you in his blanket. I can’t, he scolded himself. He wouldn’t forgive himself if he lost you. He enjoyed your company, but you’ve become restless, and he can tell that you would take a chance to escape the moment it was presented to you.

Still, something about the way you sat made him frown. He didn’t like that you were sleeping like that, hunched over on your knees, drooling on a platform of wood. Fighting his initial rejection, he tiptoed your direction, careful not to make any noise. Despite this, you stirred, and your eyes popped open.

You wiped your face, turning around so fast that your muscles ached from the stiffness they’d developed prior. There, right behind you, was Jack, looking down at your half-awake form. He’d stopped in his tracks, his eyebrows raised in surprise. Was he praying that you were asleep? What even was his plan?

You raised your arms up by gut reaction, covering your face and ducking. Jack’s brow raised further, puzzled by your need to protect yourself. Was he really that scary to you? Did you… dislike him that much? The sadness swept through him, lodged deep in his bones. He took a step back, keeping his mouth shut. You stilled your shaking, and peeked through your arm barrier. Jack had moved back a few feet, yet he hadn’t said a word. You lowered your arms slowly, trusting that he wouldn’t charge or do something worse.

Jack waited patiently for you to say something, but you didn’t know what to say. You felt all the thoughts on the situation bounce around your head, and so you just caught one at random, voicing it.

“Were you watching me sleep?”

Jack hesitated, caught off-guard. He’d been watching you for a little bit, yes, but he meant no harm. He couldn’t form all of those words, so he just nodded. “Yes.”

You had no idea how to take that. Your pulse, already pounding at having been woken up, quickened more. “Why?” You sounded more and more desperate, your body short of breath.

Jack really couldn’t answer this one. He didn’t know how you would react, so he just spoke from the heart.

“I was thinking that you couldn’t be comfortable sleeping like that.”

You paused, reflecting on his reply. You didn’t know what to say after that. Was he being creepy, or was he being kind? You continued the conversation for lack of another option.

"It isn't. It hurts my back. And my neck."

Jack took in this information quietly. "Then why did you sleep there?"

"I don't have very many choices. The bed is too small."

Jack thought about this. You were right; the bed was for his small ghost dog, who didn't need sleep anyway. It served more as a pillow than a mattress. He swallowed, wanting desperately to help you out. Without letting it pass through his mental filter, he spoke. He brought up a solution that had been off limits.

"You can sleep in my bed."

Your heart skipped a beat. You forgot to breath. His bed?

You worked up the courage to ask. You had to know how he thought this would go if you agreed. "With you?"

Jack was caught off guard once more, but this time his face was stone. He wanted to give you a choice.

"If that's what you want."

. . .

It was awkward enough when the much taller skeleton had touched you gently during your check-up with Dr. Finklestein, but the feeling that burned through you now was definitely worse. You wanted to sleep in a bed- a real bed- and let your body actually rest. And, even though you denied it, you wanted the protection of Jack. You bit your lip, fighting with your inner emotions. You want to, you more than want to, but the logical part of your brain told you that it was dangerous. What if he hurt you? What if he wanted to force himself on you? What if… what if you wanted him?

Your eyes darted around the room, looking for something- anything- to use to distract yourself. Before you could, Jack spoke once more. His tone seemed…. disappointed.

"You don't have to, of course. It's an option, not a necessity."

You instantly interjected. "No! That's not- that's- I didn't mean that. I just don't-" You cut yourself off, trying to organzie your thoughts. You started to panic. You closed your eyes tightly, your breaths getting faster, more strained, more panicked, more-

Jack's hand made contact with your shoulder, and he squeezed to take your attention from your racing mind. You reached up and put your own hand atop his, and you grabbed it. He retreated, but before he could you interlocked your fingers in his. You needed someone. For some reason, you needed him.

He didn't quite understand your emotions right now, but he could sense distress. He knelt down, much more around the same height as you. He took his free hand and started rubbing your back in large circles, trying to stimulate slow, deep breaths. Your pulse calmed ever so slightly, and Jack felt a surge of dopamine. It was working. He was helping you.

Once you gained control over your body once more, you realized how close you both were. He sat next to you, your hand in his and his palm rubbing your back. He wasn't doing any harm. He was only trying to make you feel better.

"Would you like to come to bed? With… me?" Jack asked the same question in a different way, trying to make it more 'yes or no' rather than having you explain. That served no purpose for you, and it was easier, anyway.

To Jack's surprise, you nodded, sniffing back snot and tears that were trying to exit your system. You were kind of surprised at yourself, but you couldn't be alone for yet another night. You needed someone.

Jack slipped his hand away from where it was placed in yours, and rose, lifting his palm from your back. He reached out his hand and helped you up, standing still afterward. He took a tender step forward, eyeing you, but you looked calm. He reached his hands up and gently touched your collar, the chain rattling slightly from the shift in weight.

Slowly, he thumbed the studs, twisting it so that he could unlock it with the key he’d kept hidden somewhere on his person. The metal clinked, and popped open within seconds. He removed it from around your neck, tossing it to the side. Your skin was very red, and it looked almost irritated. It felt irritated, but you dared not to fidget or scratch. You knew it would only make matters worse.

Jack's palm hovered over the affected area, an odd look crossing him. You looked at him just as you had when he was last this close. You tilted your head to the side to give him easier access, and he ran the end of a single digit across the raised irritation bumps. He was so gentle, and his phalanges were cold, but it soothed you more than you'd expected. You leaned into his touch, slightly embarrassed. He stopped for a moment, and you turned back to look at him.

"I'm sorry."

Jack sounded sincere. He sounded hurt. It seemed like he didn't realize how inhumane he was treating you. You said nothing.

He sighed to himself and gently pulled you along with him as he went down the spiral staircase you'd been previously kept away from. You remembered that this floor was the one with the tub. You remembered the time you'd bathed, and how gentle Jack was with you then, at your most vulnerable. You trusted him then and it had been okay- trusting him now wasn’t any different.

On the other side of the room was a mattress that had been laid out crookedly. The blankets were tossed to the side, and a single pillow was pushed up against the wall. It looked like Jack hadn't slept at all yet tonight.

He guided you toward his bed, and you realized that it was slightly smaller than a Queen-sized. If you shared, you'd surely be touching him. But you'd also be sleeping on a bed, and as your mind clouded more and more with sleep, you wanted its comfort more and more.

You looked to him for permission, and he nodded, pulling up the blanket to cover you. You laid down, and the moment the blanket hit you, you felt instantly exhausted. You'd cried so much this past week that you weren't sure if you could again. Your brain felt empty, your body fuzzy. Despite this, you scooted over and made room for Jack, who climbed under with you.

His striped pajama clothes suited him well, and looked more comfortable than the sweats you were given. You didn't want to be rude, but you'd wished you'd had your pajamas. They kept the chill from penetrating into your skin easily.

You shivered. You were cold, especially now that there was no fireplace on this floor. Jack must've noticed, because he nudged himself toward you, just so it was barely noticeable. You breathed in, weighing your options. You were already kept here against your will, you might as well be comfortable.

"You can come closer. You can… hold me. If you want."

Your request came out more like a suggestion. You inwardly cursed yourself for acting so submissive. Still, Jack did as you mentioned and snuck his arm over you, turning on his side. He rested it on the curve of your hip, making sure his only point of contact was his elbow atop the flesh there. For some reason, you thought his hesitance was cute. You lingered on the thought before letting it stay, choosing not to push it down.

You wiggled closer to him, wanting his body to heat yours despite his being a literal skeleton, but he kept moving away. Not caring if he didn't want to hold you at this point, you growled in frustration.

"I want you to be next to me. I want your body to touch mine." You felt like you were demanding, and quickly followed up with, "If you want that too, I mean."

He didn't respond. For a brief while, he didn't even move. You thought you'd been too mean to him, that your tone had been too much, but he suddenly closed the gap between your bodies and tucked his hand under your ribs, his arm around you snugly. He rested his chin atop your head, his form too tall to go any lower. You felt your nerves ignite, and even worse, the feeling deep in your belly spread farther than it should have.

Still, you felt calm and cozy with Jack snuggled up behind you. Your bodies being pressed together soothed you, and you felt okay. It was almost like you weren't missing. It was almost like you could forget you were very far from home. If you closed your eyes and pretended really hard, it was almost like you were happy.

. . .

You woke up to a bright light passing just over your head, shadowed by the obstacle that is Jack's skull. You forgot that you'd fallen asleep next to him, but it had been worth it; there were no knots in your back or cricks in your neck. You felt well-rested for once.

You were also extremely comfortable. Your limbs were entangled in his, your bodies facing each other while his right palm was pressed firmly against your back. You weren't afraid. If anything, you welcomed his touch. You almost yearned for it. You almost…

Jack stirred and you tried to detangle your bodies, but he pulled you closer. You ceased your actions, looking up at his face. His lids, uncharacteristic of a skeleton, were closed and he looked peaceful. You stared at him for a while longer, taking into account how not monstrous he seemed.

Suddenly, you were staring into two black pits; he'd woken, and found him staring at him. You looked away, your face becoming hot. Quickly, you became aware of exactly what parts of you he was touching: his hand was firmly pressed to your lower back, his thumb grazing the dip in your waist; His pelvic bones were pressing against yours, flesh cushioning them; your chest was pressed to his ribcage; your legs were wrapped around his, his knee resting at the juncture between them. Your body began to burn in embarrassment, but you didn't want to move.

He blinked, and then a smile spread across his face. You felt his bones shake in a soft chuckle, and you were getting more and more self-conscious. You felt the need to apologize, but before the words could even form on your tongue, Jack interrupted you.

"Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

His voice was deeper than usual, thick from lack of use and sleep. His heart rate was steady, despite the position you both were in. There was no doubt that he could feel your thumping pulse from your closeness, but you tried to ignore it. You mumbled out a reply, and he hummed in response. Was he still tired? Did he want to sleep in?

He took a large breath and moved back a smidge, giving you more room to breath. You were grateful, but somewhere inside you, you still wanted him close. You moved forward half the distance, taking a chance.

He adjusted himself so that your faces were at the same height- it was easier to talk to you this way. He stared at you for another long moment, and this time, you were the one that spoke up.

"Why did you hold me like that? When the Doctor came, I mean."

Your pulse quickened once more, nervousness setting in. Your anxiety always got the best of you in situations like these, but you wanted answers. You needed to know. The question had been burning at you for a while.

"I don't know."

You hadn't expected that. You'd expected him to make an excuse about his infatuation with humans, or maybe for him to admit some sort of feelings between the two of you. He never elaborated. Just- he doesn’t know why. You had to accept that answer.

"Why did you let me?"

His question caught you off guard. Why had you let him touch you so gently? Why did you let him get close to you now? Why did you yearn for his touch? Why were you even answering questions like these?

"I… liked it. I like when you touch me. I miss being touched."

You swallowed, biting your lip. You repressed a chill as Jack's hand, previously pressed against your back, caressed it's way around to your side, a small squeeze at the curve of your hip letting you know his intent was not malicious. Your back instinctively arched, your body moving forward into the sharp curve of his pelvic bone. You muffled a noise that threatened to come from you, and Jack’s body stiffened. There was no use in hiding the thing that was going on between your two bodies.

But you could try to ignore it.

Still, you couldn't bring yourself to do so- you wanted to lean in to the feeling, to let it build, and then to satiate it. You wanted it, even though it was extremely selfish. You wanted to be able to trust him at your most vulnerable state. You wanted him to protect you from the other monsters that he governed. You wanted to be safe and loved. You wanted a family. You wanted… home.

You'd hesitated long enough that Jack moved again, his other hand finding it's way to your hair, running his bony fingers through the strands. It felt nice, and you leaned your head into the touch. He took the hand on your hip and inched it upward, caressing the sensitive dip that is your waist, and moving up even more to feel your ribs. The bones protruded slightly, hard and strong under your skin, and Jack's fingers tickled against them.

You let your body turn into putty in his touch, slowly losing control of your higher thought. You reached your hand up to rest against the side of his skull, and he exhaled in a single burst of hot air. The noise and feel of his breath made you shudder, and his knee came up in between your legs, just to pull you closer; his kneecap pressed a pointed pressure at the place where your legs met, and a jolt ran up through the entirety of your body. He didn't know what he did, but you were slowly coming apart, and something about the way you looked fighting for bodily calm sparked a distant instinct inside him. He thought he may have hurt you, but somewhere a thought in his mind pushed him to curl into you, pulling you close and pushing his body into yours.

This time his femur brushed against your overly-sensitive juncture, the spark within your belly growing. Your body was heating up, your own willpower not enough to allow you to hold back. The running of his fingers through your hair, the sweet touch against your ribs, the friction between your legs- you involuntarily moved to make more friction, your hands now holding his shoulders and squeezing hard to keep yourself from making any unnecessary noises. You opened your mouth, exhaling a heated breath, and Jack mirrored you, releasing his pent up emotion. He didn't quite understand what was making you feel so good, but he knew that it was something he was doing, so he didn't want to stop. He wanted to redeem himself, he wanted to take away all the fear, all the uncertainty, all the negative emotions he'd made you feel by bringing you here.

So he kept going.

You pulled yourself close enough to him now that there were no gaps between your bodies. He leaned forward to rest his forehead against yours, your mouths inches from one another. The stimulation made your lips quiver, and you were holding everything back by what felt like a broken piece of string- more friction, more closeness, more of whatever it was that was happening, and you were over.

You almost yelped out, almost, but suddenly your mouth was pressed against Jack's, keeping you from exhaling any further. Suddenly your nerves were set on fire, but you were sedated by the feeling you were getting from your mind. He pressed his body into yours, and you were overwhelmingly warm. You moved your lips and he moved his, and soon your hand was behind his head, guiding it into a tilt. Your mouths interlocked, your lips pressed against his until a tongue swiped over them. You barely parted your lips, catching a breath, and again Jack’s mouth found yours. He held you close, pulling his legs from where they rested with yours. He untangled himself from you as you kissed, his arms still keeping you close to him. Your hands made their way to his chest, the bones and his sternum pressing through the pajama fabric.

One last kiss, and you pushed him away gently. He obeyed, opening his eyes to stare at you. He’d just kissed you. Hell, you two might as well have been making out.

He stilled. Stiff, his brain started to think so many different things. He’d never kissed someone like that- had she come onto me?, he asked himself, unsure at what started which thing. Quickly, that burning sensation within his own core shrunk, until it was barely even noticeable.

You balled your open palm into a fist, resting your hand like that on Jack. You shimmied away slightly, putting some space in between your faces.

“I have to use the bathroom.”

Right, he thought, humans need to get rid of waste.

As fast as you had gotten yourself into that situation did you get yourself out of it. Jack fought his way to stand against the sleep that plagued his limbs, and after him you did the same. You relieved yourself in a makeshift toilet that Jack had gotten put together for you, sitting appropriately near the tub. He left you alone on the floor while you did so, having gone downstairs to make breakfast for the two of you.

Alone, you felt ashamed. You’d just kissed a skeleton. A monster. The same exact one that had kidnapped you and chained you up. You frowned, wiping your lips hard with your arm.

Your first fucking kiss was a monster.

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