"Hmm..." Jack contemplated, exhaustion clear on his face. "Will I?" Jack grinned up at her. Even with the horrid migraine he had his grin shone bright. It always would for her. Saal had a special place in Jack's heart that no one could replace. As the scent of eucalyptus and tea tree traveled through the air and up Jack's nostrils his grin turned to a look of disgust. He wasn't sure what she was giving him, but he would accept it regardless of what it was. "I don't need you to fuss over me," he finally continued. "I just need you to give me whatever is burning my nose right now to help my head. No use fussing. The longer you do the longer I'll be in pain. I'm begging you, Saal, I need something. I can't focus and I can't sleep." Not that that was unusual for Jack, but the common side effects were even worse for him as of late. "And, for the record, this is not me brushing off your assistance. It's me asking for it."

"I'm fine, Jack." Mason appreciated that his friend was trying to help, trying to look after him, but he was getting stir-crazy. He felt like he'd been in the hospital for half a year as it was, and now he was contained to his house. He'd been told to rest. To take it easy. Take his pain medication, not strain himself too much. But he wasn't trying to move heavy furniture, it wasn't like sorting through paperwork was going to pop his stitches. "I swear. Just half an hour and I'll head back. If the work builds up more, it's going to be... so much worse on me. I'm easily stressed. You know this."

"Fine?" Jack repeated as he turned around with a burnt pan of one of those ready to cook meals from the grocery store. Looking at Mason it was clear he was stressed. He always was. The two were the same that way. Jack's own stress mirrored on his fact as he looked at his friend with a frown. He turned and placed the dish on the stove then threw the hot pads down on the counter. "You're not supposed to be going anywhere, Mason," Jack said in a frustrated tone. He let out a sigh and rubbed his temples. He needed to chill out. He needed to get some sleep. His nightmares were worsening as they crossed over between dreams and reality as the days went on. "I know you are," he said in a softer tone. "You need to get out, I understand. Is it worth risking never going out again though? What if something happens and--" Jack's thoughts were anxiety provoking and he didn't know how to shake them. "I'm sorry. I'm just-- Well...never mind." He shook his head. "I won't stop you if that's what you really want. I would advise for you to work from home though. Hell, I'll do some of it for you." The offer was something Jack should not have put in the air as he had enough work of his own that was nearing deadlines. "You can't stress yourself out over having more potential stress. It's not good for the mind." He should take his own advice. "I just don't think it's a wise idea."

He waited until the crowd died down. Purposefully making the man wait, as he greeted patrons and passed free drinks around. Enjoying the overwhelming laughter that arose when he played the right hand that won a game of wicked grace. The roaming of fingertips that dwelled on his kneecaps from strangers, tipping the line of borderline inappropriate. He needed to feel something, anything other than this numbness that threatened to swallow him whole. Finally when he was ready he strode towards the bar, cigarette already lit in his hand as he nodded at the mans greeting. "Jack." He replied, lips curling around the cigarette to hold it there while he poured them both a drink before Jack could even ask. Sliding the shot across the counter towards the other he kept his tone somber. "I don't celebrate." He countered, not wanting to think about Shona. He watched with hungry eyes waiting for the accusations, the grief he expected to see. Give him a reason--anything to get his hands bloody again. Instead he was only met with kindness, which made Oz loathe the man even more. "How about you? You look--" He trailed off as he shifted the cigarette from his mouth and back between his two fingers. "disheveled." He finished as he waved his hand in a clockwise motion. a trail of smoke falling close behind. it was rich coming from him, oz looked like shit, knew he did too, but this wasn't about him. It was about her.

There was something more off and unusual with Oz than normal, Jack thought to himself. Oz seemed on edge, like he was fighting out escape his own skin. The way he spoke Jack's name before holding the cigarette between his tightened lips sent a cold shiver down Jack's spine, but his smile didn't falter and he made no action to show he felt uneasy. "Ah, I see," was all he said as Oz slid the drink towards him. Jack wasn't going to question what it was, he didn't care, but more so because he didn't think questioning the other man that night was a great idea. Oz surely knew Jack well enough now to predict his regular drink of choice, and Jack was neither disappointed or surprised when he took the first sip. He made sure to lift the glass and nod to Oz to show he was grateful before that first sip, but god damn did the burn feel good. Jack's smile had faltered by that point, his eyes looking to Oz and curious what was possessing him inside and why his eyes looked ravenous. Was that malice? Surely not, Jack thought. It couldn't be, at least. As far as he knew he hadn't offended the man in any way. The thought of memories crossed his mind. He remembered nothing before Evermore and perhaps... No, no, Jack couldn't even consider that. Even if that were possible, and Oz knew something that Jack didn't, it wouldn't be easy to find out why. It was a challenge the man would gladly accept though.

Oz's words brought Jack back to reality. Disheveled. He supposed that was a fitting word for how he looked. His usually tired eyes were sunken in with dark circles, proof that his sleep had been worse than usual. With Helena constantly on his mind among his usual stressors and nightmares it felt impossible. He feared he may go mad if he didn't sleep decent any time soon. "I suppose you could say that, yes," Jack responded to the man cautiously. "Everyone has their off days, you know?" He wasn't going to give up his own information about what was going on so easily. There was a haunting shadow looming over Jack screaming at him to get the hell away from the man. That something bad would happen. He ignored all instinct and stayed firmly planted in his seat as he took another sip of the notably strong drink. "What about you? Not to sound rude, but it seems like you may have had better days than today too." His smile returned, not nearly as bright this time, but it did carry a harrowing aura. "I'm sure you can tell by how I look that sleep and I are not good terms right now." His smile turned bitter and he looked away. How the hell could he continue to look this man in the face and blatantly act like he'd done nothing to offend Jack. Perhaps that was a strong word, but Jack knew he couldn't deny that there was jealousy beginning to boil inside of him.

He didn't trust Oz. Jack did listen to the instincts telling him not to. Having seen him with Helena made Jack unexpectedly angry. He wasn't angry at either of them in particular but because his mind had told him that he would never be good enough for Helena. Oz though...he didn't seem her type. Not that Jack really knew what or if she had a type. It was still upsetting. He'd opened his heart up to her and the sight of them together was disheartening. He wanted Helena to trust him but maybe Oz was already a step ahead of him. "Have you ever felt betrayed, Oz?" he asked before looking back to him. It was a bold question, one he hadn't had time to stop before coming out of his lips. "Not by anyone in particular, but perhaps just by the way life can hit you with a revelation." His eyes were curious but they also hid a lot more than Jack was letting on. "Life hit me with a bit of a curveball. I apologize if I sound bitter tonight." His eyes went to the drink sitting before him, watching the ice slowly float around as it already was losing its form. "And forgive me for asking. Like I said...everyone has their off days."

"Enough Jack," Helena said, her voice loud again. The throbbing in her temple began so suddenly and harshly that she feared she didn't have much time. "I am not the person you think I am and if I stay here any longer....you'll see that." She shut her eyes, unable to look at him as she pulled herself away. "I'm afraid if you make me stay....being alive is not a promise you will be able to make." This power hungry darkness would consume them both until there was nothing but ash and smoke in the sky. Undead roaming free and suffering to anyone around them. Her magic would take and take until it could no longer do as such. "Let me go, Jack....I made a mistake in thinking I could....we could....I need to go..."

When Helena's voice raised Jack froze. He was a bit surprised at her tone, but then again Helena always seemed to surprise him. He let her pull away, taking a step back himself. "I don't believe that. I've seen who you are, Helena. You aren't the villain you think you are." His brows furrowed. "I just don't understand. What is this darkness that you speak about? Why are you so afraid? Let me help you. I...I can't let you fight this alone. I don't care what it is. I don't scare that easily. Whatever it is...I can handle it." ...being alive is not a promise you will be able to make. The words rang in Jack's ears but they did not frighten him. What did frighten him was how willing he suddenly felt to take that risk for her.

"No," he said and looked back to her. "I mean...no, whatever we have...it was never a mistake." Pleading and curious eyes looked into hers. "I won't let you go. I can't. You can walk out that door but I'll never be able to let go. I will hold onto and cherish every second I was with you. I will carry memories of you everywhere I go because they're the only memories I have worth remembering." He didn't know who he was before Evermore. He hadn't had a connection like this with anyone in the town besides Helena. He wasn't about to let it slip from his grasp so easily. "If you want to leave I won't stop you. If that's what you really desire...I won't hold you back. But...I won't ever let go of the feelings I have for you."

Still her hand reached out to him and grabbed his arm. She was trembling trying to keep her composure but she couldn't take back what she said. Even though she wished she could. If she was a different person with a different life....she would care about him loudly. She would give him a shot. She would tell him she would stay as long as he would have her. She gripped the sleeve of his shirt tightly, looking down at the floor so that her face didn't betray her further. "Don't you see?" she asked him, her voice shaking, sobering up in the worst way. "I trust you more than anyone I've ever met! My sister doesn't....she doesn't even see this much of me...." Her guilt and her shame were eating at her, but she had to make sure she got this out before it was too late. "I care...I care so much that I can't....I can't destroy you. I can't...I would never forgive myself if my darkness devoured you whole. I can't...I won't...." She didn't let go of him, even as her voice grew quiet and her walls went back up. "In another life...." she began, her voice a whisper. "We would be two people...building a connection....having a few friendly drinks....sharing a kiss...or more....we could be happy....in that different life...."

Helena's words stabbed deep and it took every ounce of self control for him not to reach out to her, to hold her and comfort her. Instead he let her grip his arm as tightly as she needed to. Jack didn't understand what the wall between them she had put up was hiding on her side. He wanted to know. His curious nature couldn't help that. Not only that, he wanted to know every small detail about her. He cared about what she had to say. "Then trust me," he told her in a soft, shaky voice. His self control failed and he slowly reached out to grab her hand, squeezing tightly. "Trust me and care like I do for you. I care so so much." His eyes stared into hers, and for a moment he almost got lost admiring them. "We all have darkness, Helena. That...that doesn't mean it necessarily a bad thing. I-- I would never see you as any less than you are no matter what it is."

His jaw quivered as he spoke. His voice was shaking and he was afraid Helena would be able to hear how fast his heart was beating. "What if there isn't another life? What if this is the only chance we have?" His eyes pleaded her, trying to understand why she was scared. "We are just two people...having drinks...kissing...I-I know we have a connection. I feel it in my soul." Jack thought they could be happy together. He was certain of it. Life was cruel though and it had clearly had not been kind to Helena, the person he cared about above all else. If there was anyone Jack would sacrifice everything for and do anything they asked it was Helena. He cared for her so deeply it frightened him. "I wish you would let me understand, Helena... You don't have to tell me anything, but you can. I will always listen." Jack didn't know what her so called darkness was but he would accept her nonetheless. "Nothing you do could ever destroy me. I'm always going to be on your side. I will always fight for you, Hel. You're worth...everything and more to me." He smiled again, trying to make it seem somewhat happy. "You're never going to be alone as long as I'm alive."

"Jack..." she whispered softly, her senses coming to her. "Oh, Jack...I want to give you those things. I want to kiss you and stay the night...I want to be the woman you think I am...." A sad smile painted her lips. "I can't stay forever," she said, masking her own hurt so he didn't hurt for her. "I..I can only give you now and....that is all." She had to say to herself this was the longest it took for her to regain herself. "I'm sorry Jack....I can give you my all now or...I can never give it to you. There are things about me....about my life....I can't let you make a mistake by caring for me like that. Even if you're the only one who calms my quiet." She was being greedy just by allowing it to get this far. A boundary she never pushed. If he truly wanted her the way he claimed, he would have to understand that even when she was taking, she had a lot she had to let go of.

The way Helena said his name and change in tone was enough for Jack to know what came next. Rejection. Which...wasn't always something he dealt with well. It was fine though. Jack would respect Helena's wishes despite how it made whatever heart in his hollow bones feel like a knife was twisted through it whilst being squeezed tightly. Jack remained his composure. He wasn't going to let her know he was hurting. He couldn't do that to her. Instead, he smiled at her though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Call me selfish but I would take one night with you if it's all I could ever have," he admitted. "There's a lot of things we don't know about each other. That doesn't mean we can't learn them." Though Jack didn't remember anything of his past life he knew he had plenty to tell Helena. "You calm me too, you know." His arms were still around her waist and he suddenly wondered if she was uncomfortable so he let them drop to his sides. "I fear...I've already made a mistake. I do care about you. Whether you think that's a good thing or not I still do." He rubbed the back of his neck and looked away, letting his false smile falter.

"I would listen to you tell me every detail of your life. I wish I knew the rest of mine." He wasn't trying to sound bitter. He was hurting. "If you want me to stay away I will." He looked back at her. "I will respect any wish you ask of me. I just..." He shook his head. "I thought..." Jack mentally kicked himself and told himself to stop being such a coward and a fool. "I care about you, Helena. I do. I...I don't know how you feel if you don't tell me though. I can't listen if you don't tell me. I-I can't do all the talking for us," he told her, half joking at the end. "I just wish you would trust me. I only want what's best for you...even if that doesn't include me." His eyes locked with hers and he felt his chest tighten again. Jack's composure was slipping as it sank in that he could fight and claw his way through the pits of hell for her, but that didn't mean she would ever stay. His heart pounded and his chest still felt tight. There was a pit in his stomach and he suddenly felt nauseous. He had to look away from her. "One night...if that's what you want...then I am happy to oblige."

"You could never scare me away, Jack," she said softly, looking into his eyes. "I'm afraid that once you know all about me you might see why I am the way I am. I don't let people get close to me for a good reason....I want you to be close to me, though. I want...so much and I'm not really the best with my words." A soft chuckle escapes her lips at her own self-deprecating. "A lot of this feels too good to be true...but I want you to kiss me again anyways." Did that make her crazy? She was already too far gone to care in the moment. All she could hope was that she didn't get into her own way for once.

The way she softly told him he would never scare her away, and the way she said his name, was almost enough to make Jack believe her. "I see you just the way you are," he began softly, "you're astounding and incredible. You're unlike anyone I've ever met. Every time I lay my eyes on you I'm entranced by how beautiful and breathtaking you are..." Jack didn't see winning Helena's heart as a challenge. He now knew that's what he desired from her. He loved her company and was euphoric every time their lips touched, causing an electrifying sensation to crawl over every inch of his skin.

"Nothing is too good to be true, except maybe you. I have never had a calming presence as much as you in my life, Hel." His thumb gently caressed over her cheekbone. At her request his lips planted against hers, kissing her deeply. "Stay the night," he whispered against her lips. "If you'd like... I mean, I would love for you to stay." He pulled away just enough to be able to admire her features. "I don't want to let you go. I'm afraid if I do I'll never be able to hold you again." Both of his arms snaked around her waist to pull her closer. "You always say you're not the best with your words, but every time I hear your voice I can't help but to feel bewitched by you. You don't have to say anything. I can do the talking for the both of us, remember?" A smile brightened his face. "I would never complain if you wanted to kiss me again. I want you to. I want you to stay. Not just at my place...but in my life."

@bcnedaddy at the apartment

Zane stretched his arms out in a yawn as he stumbled down the hallway on muscle memory alone, not even convinced his brain was functioning this early. He'd been sleeping like the dead lately, not hearing alarms or drifting off watching TV. Maybe he just needed a higher dose of caffeine. He hummed to himself reaching the kitchen, his hands lazily slapping cupboards until he found the right one and reached for a clean mug. "Sweet nectar of the gods" he smiled reaching for the pot of coffee and filling up his mug to the lip. He spun around to take a seat at the table, but braced himself against the counter in shock. "Shit Jack-- sometimes I forget you live here. --You been in here long?"

Jack hadn't slept yet. (The yet was more of an 'if' he would.) He was riding an adrenaline high that resulted in him with a boost of writer's muse. Scribbling away furiously into his journal Jack never noticed Zane enter the kitchen. His footsteps must have been light as a ghost with how quiet he had been. Even when he spoke up to himself Jack didn't notice Zane. It wasn't until he heard his own name come out in a startled tone that he looked up. "I...don't know." He looked at the time on his watch and furrowed his brow. "I suppose I have." He looked over at Zane, his own cup of coffee he'd had now in his hand as he took a sip. After setting the mug down he stood up and stretched his arms out and yawned. Disheveled hair rested just above his eyes and he smoothed it back in attempt to look somewhat put together. "Did you sleep through your alarms again?" Jack had never heard them go off has he had been so hyper fixated on his writing. For once. A smile crossed over Jack's features as he looked at Zane. "Well, it's already late. No use in going to sleep now," he stated in regards to him not sleeping at all. "What's your plan for the day? I should probably take a break from writing but I also don't want to lose the streak I'm on."

It took a few seconds for Helena to return to herself. To remember who she was and how she shouldn't be doing this. Jack was apologizing and that was her out if she wished to take it. She could say that things were fine and take the wine and see herself out. She could go back to her room and hide away and beat herself up about the what ifs later. Jack, being the kind soul he was, gave her a chance to go back to normal, or her version of normal. All she had to do was reject his affections. The hunger that was growing inside her could be sated a different day or not at all. She could spare him, she could give him a chance to get out before she ruined everything. If she were a good person she would do all of that. She knew she was not a good person. She was touch starved and afraid of touch. She was a troubled soul with a dark magic inside of her set to consume her whole. She was a woman who was tired of not taking what she wanted.

So instead of responding and sparring them both the tragedy that was sure to follow, she leaned forward and kissed him again, letting go of her hunger and her fears. If she were to be consumed she wanted it to be by him in this moment.

With just one kiss Jack had felt everything flip. The way the room had once felt suffocating felt warm and comforting. The quivering in his stomach and tingling on his skin became welcomed sensations that made Jack realize Helena was the cause. And, to Jack, anything Helena did was nothing but flawless. When their lips had parted he felt cold. His apologizing was a feeble task. He had hoped when she would reject him that she would at least accept his apology. His eyes fluttered open for mere seconds before her lips were back on his. Eyes shut and he returned her kiss. His free arm went to wrap around her waist, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. Helena was heaven and it was euphoric. She was the light at the end of a dark tunnel. Now, with her in his arms, Jack knew he'd made it to the light and never planned on letting her go.

The hand on her cheek had never fell and his arm was still snug around her waist when he had to break their second kiss to take a shaky breath. His forehead went to rest against hers and a bright smile was on his face. Jack truly believed nothing could ruin this moment for him, for them. His eyes opened, hoping to be met with hers. Jack was at a loss for words. He wanted was to keep kissing her. Helena was the ambrosia Jack had craved for so long. He wanted to know every single thing about her. He wanted to be consumed by her. He had a desire for her that burned within. His soul was connected to hers, in a way that both excited and terrified him.

Jack finally broke the silence they had comfortably shared. "I'm so glad you came here tonight," he admitted. "And, it's taking everything in me to not kiss you again." His thumb gently rubbed along her cheekbone. "You make me feel at peace, Helena. You make me happy." Jack knew he could be a strong presence and the only fear he had in that moment was scaring her away. "I hope...I fear I'm going to scare you away. I don't want you to leave. I hope you want to stay as much as I want you to."

Of course, she vocalized none of this. She didn't know how to. At least he didn't expect that of her. He was so close and her breath was growing uneven as he stared straight into her soul. And then, just like that, it was gone and he was guiding her into his kitchen. She took that small moment to regain what little composure she had left. Peace was lovely, but when he looked at her the way he did and spoke to her words of reassurance, of interest even, it made her desire a little more than she deserved. She almost forgot to answer his question entirely as this feeling washed over her, but luckily her mouth wasn't completely sewn shut from her nerves. "Umm..red is just fine.." she said softly, looking down to the ground in an attempt to guard herself. "T-Thank you for this, Jack. I...don't mind being near you either. In fact....I really like being near...even when I'm being too much..."

The moment Jack turned from Helena to walk to the kitchen his breathing grew uneven. Though his anxieties had kept calm around her he suddenly felt a tingling sensation on his skin and a quivering one in his stomach. He felt almost nervous, but for what? He focused on grabbing glasses for them, one wine glass for her, and short glass for himself. "Red it is," he told her trying to control his breathing and slightly shaking hands. He grabbed a bottle of red out of the cabinet and nearly dropped it as she spoke. The glass ended up being poured a bit generously when she had caught him off guard. "Why are you thanking me? I'm..." His brow furrowed for a moment and he turned to pour himself the gin.

"I don't think you're ever too much, Helena," Jack said. "In fact, I think you're just enough." He turned with the glasses and held out hers. "I'm afraid I'm the one that can be quite a lot at times. I know how I can be. I just hope that I don't scare you away." He brought his own glass to his lips and took a large sip before setting it back on the counter. His eyes couldn't find hers so he tilted her head up so he could selfishly gaze into hers. "Sometimes I fear you'll disappear from my life and I'll never see you again." A shaky hand goes to rest on her cheek. "I have to admit I dread when the time comes and we have to be apart again. It's almost agonizing when you're not around. I feel so connected to you. Sometimes it scares me." His heart was pounding hard. Jack wasn't sure he'd be saying this so easily without the gin. It didn't matter because his words rang true. "I think what I'm trying to say is..." His brow furrowed, not sure he could string the words together. Instead his lips pressed against hers, not hard but not necessarily gently. After a few moments he pulled away just enough to speak. "I-I'm sorry. I don't know if I should have done that."

location: moonlight casino

he couldn't believe it, none of it made sense. a handful of people just gone missing, just like that? bullshit. it didn't really matter, because the boogie man was losing it. all sense and logic was thrown out the window once he saw shona's name in bright bold on the missing persons list. he awoke in the morning to find her side of the bed empty which wasn't unusual but he remembered it had made him feel uneasy. throughout the day his texts and calls went unanswered, she didn't show up for work. then mason's psa hit the news and oz lost it. for someone who weaved bad dreams into the minds of strangers this was his personal nightmare. he'd spend all the money he had to find her, expend any men for the cause, he'd tear the fucking world apart. refreshing the feed on his phone wasn't making him feel any better. he was seeing red, knuckles turning white with how hard he was gripping the phone before slamming it down onto the bars counter shouting. "fuck!" the screen had smashed into a million tiny pieces, but he wasn't done. in one swift motion sweeping all the glassware off the counter and throwing it against the wall. his breathing became rapid, his chest rising and falling with each manic breath. noticing every set of eyes in the house was now on him. "clean this shit up!"

Nothing made sense. Well, things didn't often make sense inside the brain of Jack Skellington as he was often left deciphering them himself. People vanishing into thin air didn't make sense either, and if anything made even less sense. It had him troubled. He was thankful the few close to him were still there, but that didn't stop him from feeling troubled about it all. What if it happened again? What if more people went missing? What if the people who were missing ended up somewhere terrible. Terrible as in the type of nightmares he has, Jack thought to himself. He knew now more than ever he had to help Mason. Jack wore himself far too thin though. He had more sleepless nights than not, a decent night's sleep coming once in a blue moon. He was constantly anxious and when he had dreams they were haunting him with hallucinations of ghouls, witches, ghosts, and a boogie man. He didn't know what they meant but something sparked inside of him and he suddenly felt more connected to them. He couldn't grasp why, and perhaps that's why he was nursing his fifth glass of gin at the casino's bar he'd grown to be a bit fond of despite it's spine crawling feeling it gave Jack every time he walked inside.

Jack had been lost in his own world, troubled by drunken thoughts of what he should or shouldn't do and wondering what his nightmares meant once again. He was snapped out of his thoughts when every glass went flying off the bar and yelling followed behind. For a moment all Jack could do was look at Oz but when he realized everyone else was too he simply stood up. He followed the man as he tried to disappear, something telling him he needed to talk to him despite his rage. When Jack had the chance he stood in front of him, nearly stumbling over. He was definitely a sight. Disheveled hair, dark circles under his eyes, and drunk in a casino with no intention to gamble. "Rough night?" Jack asked, though he realized maybe Oz had a more ghastly reason for being upset than just a rough night of work. His face faltered a bit, wondering if someone that meant something to the infuriated man was on the list. "I'd be angry too, you know," he said as if he knew why he was upset. "I think I'd go to hell and back to find someone I cared about." Helena flashed into his mind, fearing the worst could happen to her and how he would react. He shook the thought from his mind and looked at Oz. "I'm sorry, that's just me rambling as usual and assuming the worst."