Jackals in the Night:

Chapter VIII—Demon of Light

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A/N: I got this idea from a line in the song: Jack's Lament by Danny Elfman (The Nightmare Before Christmas' Jack—Damn you, JohnnyLover!  I've fallen in love with Jack again! ;_;). Though I believe that Nny is a good demon; this is actually about Pepito.  I never was for easy romances.  Enjoy!

Pairings: Nny/Squee, Pepito/Squee [one sided]

Genre: Slash, Angst/Drama, OOC

Disclaimer: Jhonen Vasquez wishes to find out where I live to disembowel me with a spork.  Fear it! I know I do!

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            I walk into the shack that is owned by that Nny.  Todd's legs are swinging while he sits on the couch.  Glancing up, he smiles sadly at me.  Soon I am sitting next to him, curious why he's asked me over.  He looks at me so sad—I wish he wouldn't do that.  It makes me sad as well.  Finally, he breaks the silence.

            "I'm in love with Nny." He looks at me with sad eyes.  "What should I do, Pepito?"

            I wish he would not confine in me like this.  My heart is smashing to pieces.  That Bastard Nny.  I press my lips together as I try to think of a good response.  Unfortunately, my mind isn't working that well—thanks to his confession.

            "…I-I don't know…"  I feel stupid not knowing what to say.  Not knowing how to get over my feelings to help his.  But…I don't want to help.  I want him to get over Nny…or at least realize that that homicidal bastard cannot understand love.

            "I know he will probably not love me back…but I don't know what to do…"  Todd sniffles a bit.  His hands tugging at the striped-shirt Nny had probably given him.

            "I understand." I close my eyes, not wanting to see Todd like this.  "I can understand what it's like to love someone…and know they will never love you back."

            "You like someone, Pepito?"  I can hear the concern in his voice.  That's very sweet of you, Todd, but I'm afraid you are the reason for my heartache.

            "…yes…" I give a soft sigh.  My defeat.

            "I'm sure she'll come around sometime."  He pats my arm affectionately. 

            I really don't know how he does it.  Ignore all his problems just so he can comfort me.  That's probably what made my heart go out to him so much.

            "No, she won't." I give a sad smile to Todd who looks confused. "She is in love with someone else.  I do not wish to come between that."

            "….oh…."  Todd looks even more sad than before.  Crying a bit, he gives me a quick hug.  "That's so sad!  I'm so sorry Pepito!  But…I'm sure you'll find someone else!"

            "…doubtful…" I lay my head upon his.

            A loud bang echoes in the shack as the door opens—slamming into the wall.  Todd lets go of me to greet that Nny.  I can't help but feel depressed even if I accept I cannot take Todd's heart.

            "Nny!"  Todd's voice sounds so happy as Nny walks inside holding a Cherry Brainfreezy.  It so sweet…

            I think I'm going to go kill something.

            "Hello, Squeegee!" He gives his normal ear-to-ear smile before handing Todd his own Cherry Brainfreezy.  "Thought you might be hungry."

            "Oh…thanks Nny."  Todd holds the drink carefully. "But what about you?"

            "Already drank mine on the way over."  Nny nods a few times. "I have to go check on the "guests" downstairs."

            He moves to the basement door before turning to glance at me.  Blinking a few times, Nny walks over to the couch.

            "Eh? What are you doing here?"  He taps his foot a bit. "Not going to blow up this house are you?"

            "It's crossed my mind, yes." I shot back. "But I won't."

            "Oh. Thanks!" Nny seems satisfied with my answer as he goes down the basement stairs.

            "Nny's so weird sometimes." Todd giggles into his hand. 

            I sit on the couch; still unsure of what I should do.  I could just kill Nny than somehow convince Todd to come with me.  But…it is doubtful he would want to.  Glancing to my side, I see that bear that Todd is always carrying around. 

            "Eh..?" I pick up Schmee—I believe the teddy's name is.

            "Oh…Schmee's been very quiet since I told him…about…you know."  Todd sits back down on the couch.  "I think he's mad at me."

            "…really…?" I'm starting to wonder if Todd isn't a bit off in the head as well.

            "Uh-huh." He takes Schmee from my hands and hugs him to his chest.

            "….I think I should be going." I say at last.  I can't stand being around Todd while he's love sick over that homicidal bastard.  Getting up, I move towards the door before looking back.  I'll see you soon, Todd."

            "Okay!" He smiles cheerfully. "Bye, Pepito!"

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            I walk into my house with long strides.  I cannot stand the way things are going.  Oh well…might as well see if Todd lives happily ever after.  I pick up my father's briefcase.  Rooting through some unwanted files, I finally come across Todd's[9].  Opening it up, I feel my blood slowly freeze in horror as I look at the cause of death.[10]

            First Name: Todd 

            Last Name: Casil

            Middle Initial?

            Cause of Death: Stabbed to death by Johnny C….

            "WHAT?!" My eyes widen as I reread it.

            Nny is going to kill Todd…but…why!?

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TBC?

C&C are welcome! Yup…have to wait for the next chapter, suckers!

[9] No, Todd is not going to Hell. In the movie Dogma [rent it please], they mention that Heaven and Hell probably keep tabs on the living.  Which is why they have Todd's file.

[10]  He's not already dead.  It's just saying how he's going to die.  Much like #9…they keep tabs on how their life is going to end. Sorry for the confusion!