Before You Can Shout 'Boo!'

October 1st

Sherlock can't place the tune of whatever John is humming. It's acutely irritating and it makes Sherlock want to cover his ears. John isn't singing- Sherlock never gets the privilege of words- but the tune drifts throughout the flat throughout the day.

It must be some sort of dastardly payback for all the times Sherlock has left experiments unattended or left the milk go bad or scraped away mindless pieces on his violin at two in the morning. It had to be... because it was driving Sherlock crazy.

Finally, Sherlock shuffles over on the sofa, turning to look at John. "What are you humming?"

John glances up from his book. "What?"

"Humming. You've been humming. What is it?"

John blinks, thinks. "Oh! 'This is Halloween'. Off of The Nightmare Before Christmas?"

Sherlock stares blankly. "'The Nightmare Before Christmas?'"

"Yeah. It's a movie. Disney. My God, Sherlock, how have you never The Nightmare Before Christmas? It's the perfect movie for you."

Sherlock sighs, trying to shift his head into a more comfortable position on the armrest. "Disney. Not really my area."

"Nothing is your area-"

"Except murder," Sherlock interrupts.

"Well, Nightmare Before Christmas's main character is a skeleton."

Sherlock pauses. He thinks about it for a moment, dredging up the very little knowledge of Disney movies that he has. "Animated?" he asks.

"It's, uhm, well, clay-a-mation."

Sherlock looks back at John blankly.

"The figures were made out of clay and... well, it's not animated."

Sherlock steeples his fingers beneath his chin thoughtfully. "Do you own a copy?"

John raises his eyebrows. "I don't own a copy of anything Disney."

"Hmm." Sherlock closes his eyes, falling silent.

The idea of a Disney movie- a name well known for animated children's films- does not sit well on his mind, but the thought of a skeleton being a lead character was faintly intriguing.

"Why? I could rent it. I haven't seen it a long time... It's October 1st... Perfect thing to bring in the holiday season with, actually..."

Sherlock waves his hand, aiming for a dismissive air. "If you must."

John grins. "I'll call the video store later," he says, before looking back to his book.

Sherlock thinks for another moment. "If the main character is a skeleton, why is 'Christmas' in the title?"

John doesn't look up this time. "Skeleton's trying to take over Christmas."

Sherlock opens his eyes, looking at the corner where the ceiling met the wall. "John, call the video store now."

"What?"

"Video store. Now. We're going out." Sherlock swung himself onto his feet, stepping over the coffee table. His dressing gown slipped off of one shoulder and his T-shirt draped past his collarbone as he padded back towards his bedroom.

It's a Halloween advent!fic! Because I really haven't seen these type of holiday countdowns... and I love Halloween... and it's totally perfect for Sherlock even if he doesn't celebrate anything...

Anyway, if you haven't seen The Nightmare Before Christmas, you have not LIVED. Because it is so freaking adorable. Jack is so adorable. I love Jack. And Zero. And Sally. (Sally is totally just like Molly *o*) The Mayor is creepy and Oogie Boogie is... well, he's Oogie Boogie. And I've seen this movie like twenty times and I can still babble. So, I'll probably bring this movie up again later in this fic, along with pumpkin guts and trick or treat and costumes and so on.

I do not own Sherlock or The Nightmare Before Christmas. Your trick-or-treat-tactular thoughts would be appreciated! Thank you!