Jackals in the Night:
Chapter XXVI—The End?
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A/N: Yup, it's time to finish this. I've been wasting a lot of my time. Anyways, I'm going to start the sequel soon so just wait for that. @.@;; Yes I am cruel. P.S. I'm ending this with Pepito's POV. XD
Disclaimer: …Jhonen is truly an evil mastermind. Making me finish this fic….how cruel!
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"No." It hurt to utter these words, yes, but they had to be said. I couldn't let myself be selfish. Melodramatic, yes, but it felt like the right thing to do.
"A-Are you sure?" His eyes wobble slightly as he stares up.
"…yes, yes Todd I'm sure…" Sure that I'll somehow live to regret this. I put on a brave smile for him though.
"Okay, Pepito!" Todd's hug becomes tighter as he grips onto me.
There is some clearing of the throat near the doorway; I turn to greet my father and Johnny.
Johnny looks somewhat shocked, but also amused. Father is just father, but with a smirk dotting his lips. How I want to hurt him.
I push myself away from Todd, feeling a soft glow touch my face. I'm hoping it is the sunlight and not that I'm blushing. Todd makes a startled sound, but does nothing more.
"Well, Pepito," Father sounds so amused, "is everything in order here?"
"I should ask you the same thing." I mumble through clenched teeth.
"Oh, yes, everything's fine," He smiles cheerfully, "Eh, Johnny?"
"Yes." He leans against one of the walls, either bored or enjoying the show. I'm not sure which.
"That's good." Todd finally decides to join the conversation. I suppose being ignored by his parents for so long; he isn't used to talking to people.
"Is it?" Johnny looks towards Father, "I really don't know."
"I...I think it is, Nny." Todd stammers a bit.
"I do as well," Father states, "No more crowding for Hell for awhile."
"You sure about that?"
"Not really, wishful thinking I suppose."
I remain quiet through their "normal" conversation. I'm abashed at how they can act so calm at a time like this. Sure, Todd is moving a bit like a cornered animal, but I guess that's nothing too new.
"So, Squee," Johnny turns his attention to the shivering form known as Todd, "what are you going to do now?"
"I…I don't know." He glances towards me then back to Johnny. "I really don't know. I have no where left to go, and I'm not sure what I can do now…"
"That is a problem," Father butts in.
"Poor Squeegee."
"I suppose." I hear myself mumble as the eyes turn towards me. "I mean...it is sad…"
"B-But I'll make it." He gives a sharp nod. "I'm sure of it."
"Oh? What are you going to do then?" Father remarks, giving him one of his patent 'death looks.'
"…I guess…find a job?"
"Hmm…that's reasonable…but living quarters?"
"Oh! He's already living with me, Mr. Devil. No worries."
Shock engraves itself on Todd's face. I suppose he didn't believe Johnny still wished for him to live with him. I'm also sure…he's never had anyone talk to him this much except for myself.
Johnny is a nice guy, sure, but has very…shall we say poor people skills?
"…really…?"
"Of course, Squeegee."
"…oh…"
"Then I suppose it is settled," Father has that directed towards everyone, but is looking at me. As if he's saying: Aren't you going to do anything?
"Yes," I strengthen my voice. "It is settled. Todd will be with Johnny."
"Is that really alright Nny?" Todd looks at Johnny intently.
"Yeah. I said it was, didn't I?"
Todd nods a few times enthusiastically.
"Well, it's getting a bit early," Johnny groans, "Better get back home."
He moves to leave the room, before turning a head back. "Coming, Squee?"
"Yes…just give me a moment." Johnny nods before exiting. He turns towards me and gives me one of his blinding smiles. "Thank you Pepito."
He hugs me one last time as well as Father before leaving.
Father looks towards me with a skeptical look.
"Why did you let him go?"
"He will be happy with Johnny. I can't force him to be with me." I explain.
"Very noble of you."
"Thank you. And anyways…" I shrug with an evil glint dotting my eyes.
"Anyways?"
"I made a promise to myself."
"Oh?"
"If Johnny ever makes Todd cry…I'm going to kill him." Father gives me a smirk. "So, don't worry Father, I'll keep my eye on them…"
He leaves the room, amusement dotting his words. "I'm sure you will, Pepito. I'm sure you will."
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OWARI
Finally it's over! WOOT! I FINISHED! BOOYAH! Yeah everyone is seriously OOC! But I'm happy I finished it! Yeah buddy…now the sequel…dear lord what was the point…Ah well…Hope you enjoyed it! Bye!